Lesson One; Introduction to MacbethIntroduction to Macbeth

Li; I can take detailed notes to aid my understanding of a text I am studying

Summary of Macbeth

• In your pairs write a short summary of the play based on the notes you have been given

Why did Shakespeare write Macbeth?

• Shakespeare wrote Macbeth in 1606.• It is important to understand the political context

in which it was written, as that is the key to the main theme of the play, which is that excessive ambition will have terrible consequences.

• Macbeth was written the year after the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

Why did Shakespeare write Macbeth?

Shakespeare's play Macbeth is to some extent a cautionary tale, warning any other potential regicides (king-killers) of the awful fate that will inevitably overtake them.

Witchcraft and ShakespeareWhen Shakespeare wrote Macbeth, witchcraft was a topic of considerable interest. In 1604, witchcraft became a capital offence. Whether Shakespeare himself believed in witches does not matter. He used them for his play, and many of his audience would have believed in them as thoroughly evil servants of the devil. For the people of Shakespeare’s time, the devil was very real who they believed spent his time trying to trap men and women into his power. Note that very early in the play Banquo realises this and says as much to Macbeth.

Theme

Macbeth is about the corrupting power of ambition.

Even honourable men can be corrupted by ambitionMacbeth betrays;-His king-His country and - His conscience

to satisfy his lust for power

Macbeth

Is Macbeth a good man driven to evil or simply an evil man?

Lady Macbeth

The Macbeths are the original power couple: where her husband is a courageous, skillful warrior, she's charming, attractive, and completely devoted to her husband's career. Murderously devoted.

Banquo Banquo is Macbeth's close friend and ally. He knows about the witches and their predictions but doesn't take them seriously at first. Later he thinks more about it, but he is never tempted in the way Macbeth is. However, he starts to realise how interested Macbeth is and then gets suspicious of him. Banquo is also presented as a very brave and completely loyal soldier - even when Macbeth tempts him Banquo makes it clear he wants to keep his 'allegiance clear' to the king.

MacduffMacduff is the lord who first finds Duncan's body and who eventually kills Macbeth. He is seen as completely loyal to Duncan and his country. He is brave, swearing to investigate the murder and he doesn't go to see Macbeth crowned. This implies Macduff is already suspicious. He then goes to England to raise an army and his family are murdered on Macbeth's orders. He convinces Malcolm to join his attack against Macbeth.

Symbolism

Light and Darkness Nature Blood ClothingDead Children