The Context of Macbeth

The Context of MacbethBy Michael Wells

Definition of ContextContext is the set of circumstances that surround an event or text.

Often provides meaning or a deeper understanding.

The context of Macbeth helps us understand the characters, as well as possibly gain an insight into what Shakespeare intended this play to achieve.

Context of MacbethWritten in 1606. Under Scottish king, King James l.

Century where reason began overtaking faith.

Extravagance was popular among the rich.

Influence on MacbethScottish Macbeth was likely due to James ls heritage

Shakespeares affiliation to the royal family is displayed:BANQUO: This guest of summer, the temple-haunting martlet, does approve by his loved mansionry that the heavens breath smells wooingly here (Shakespeare, 1999, pg 46)

The battle between kings in the play is a nod to the divine right of kings.Macbeth shall never vanquished be, until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him. (Shakespeare, 1999, pg 76)

Meaning added by ContextWith the additional knowledge about the 17th century during which the play was written, a deeper layer of meaning emerges.

Armed with this knowledge can help you demonstrate a more profound understanding.

Example IntroductionThe context of Macbeth is a very crucial part of conveying the correct message across to the audience about the events of the time period. Although the play can be read and understood relatively well out of the context or with no prior research, the meaning is greatly enhanced when certain historical and social events are taken into consideration. The story of Macbeths sudden decent into madness is deepened when you discover the significant extravagance that was prevalent at the time and we understand the power struggle that little bit more than before. The eventful, power struggle that occurs throughout the play becomes a bit more orderly when considering it as a comment on the divine right of kings, falling into place the events that spell the removal of a corrupt king by God. Having these contextual points of reference initiate a slight change in the story, while opening up a vastly more important shift in understanding and knowledge of the particular time period.

ReferencesMacbeth, 2014, B&N, 16/05/2014, http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/macbeth/context.htmLife in 17th Century England, 2003, LoveToKnow Inc, 16/05/2014, http://www.publicbookshelf.com/public_html/Our_Country_Vol_1/life17th_dh.htmlShakespeare, WS. (1999), Macbeth, Cambridge University Press.