MacbethWilliam Shakespeare

Ms. MathewsEnglish 10 Honors

Shakespeare Mini-Bio

• Born in Stratford-upon-Avon• April 23, 1564 – April 23, 1616• Called “The Bard of Avon”• An actor, poet, and playwright• Part-owner of the acting company

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men• Married to Anne Hathaway; had three children

Shakespeare’s Plays• Shakespeare’s plays are among the

most famous works in the English language and all of Western Literature

• He wrote three types of plays:• Comedies• Tragedies• Histories

• The First Folio was printed in 1623 and contained 36 plays

Setting of Macbeth Set in Scotland around the year

1040 The action of the play alternates

between the battlefield and various castles

Macbeth’s castle, Inverness, was located on the River Ness, which flows into the famous Loch Ness

Macbeth Background• Macbeth was written for King James I

• James Stuart was already King James VI of Scotland when Queen Elizabeth's death made him James I of England as well

• In the late 1500's, Scotland experienced a witch craze

• Many people were convicted of witchcraft and executed without physical evidence

• James I bought into the witch hysteria, so Shakespeare incorporated the three witches (the Wyrd Sisters) into Macbeth for the king's enjoyment

• The archaic (old fashioned) meaning of the word “weird” is “destiny or fate.” The witches, therefore, echo the three fates of Greek mythology.

• James I believed that as part of the Stuart line, he was descended from Banquo, although no historical evidence exists to support this claim

The Real Macbeth Macbeth really did exist, though Shakespeare only

loosely based his character and story on the real man. The real Macbeth was king of Scotland from 1040 to

1057 and went to drastic ends to gain the throne and remain in power.

“Macbeth” is a Christian name meaning “son of life” (as opposed to the paternal surname MacBeth).

The real Lady Macbeth was named Gruoch. She was originally married to another king and had a son with him, though the child is only indirectly referenced in the play and the first husband is not mentioned at all.

It is considered bad luck to say the name of the play in a theater where it is being performed; instead, it is commonly referred to only as “The Scottish Play.”

Important Terms Defined Motif—a repeating symbol that furthers an important

idea or theme Paradox—a statement that seems to be a

contradiction but actually reveals truth Thane—a Scottish title of nobility equivalent to Earl Primogeniture—the system of passing on property,

titles, or wealth to the eldest male heir

Themes of Macbeth• Ambition• Appearance v. Reality• Atmosphere• Disorder• Trust and Betrayal• Fear and Guilt

• Greed and Power• Excuses• Visions• Desperation• Good and Evil• The Supernatural

9 Motifs in Macbeth

1. Blood 7. Birds

2. Natural Order 8. Sleep

3. Darkness 9. Clothing

4. Hands

5. Masculinity

6. Supernatural Forces

Main Characters Macbeth—Thane of Glamis, military general Lady Macbeth—Macbeth’s wife Banquo—Scottish thane and general Fleance—Banquo’s son Duncan—King of Scotland Malcolm—Duncan’s elder son Donalbain—Duncan’s younger son Macduff—Thane of Fife, a nobleman of Scotland

As you read… Look for and record examples of motifs and themes Study paradoxical statements to discern hidden truths Monitor character changes; consider the impetus and

results of each change Read and re-read. Check your understanding. Ask questions and seek clarification. Form your own opinions and be able to support them. Annotate and/or take copious, detailed notes!

Analysis Exerciseo Sometimes students are hesitant to raise

their hands in class because they think their opinions are wrong. The thing is, an opinion cannot be wrong, and most of literary analysis is simply a matter of creating informed opinions based on the text.

o Let’s try an exercise to illustration the skills used in literary analysis . . .

Which word does not belong?

o Horseo Clocko Anvilo Nose

Write your answer in your notes, along with an explanation

There was no “correct” answer to the previous question; however, notice how the answer changes when a detail-based question is asked . . . .

Which word does not contain an O?

o Horseo Clocko Anvilo Nose Now there is only

one correct answer

Why did we do that?o The exercise demonstrated the difference

between analyzing a work of literature based on your own ideas or opinions and answering specific, detail-based questions.

o In class discussions, we will do mostly the first type of analysis; on tests and quizzes, you will also be expected to answer the second type of questions. Be prepared for both!