Macbeth Introduction
For more background information and other details about Macbeth, check out BBC Bitesize
- Written by William Shakespeare in 1605
- Macbeth is a man who overthrows the rightful King of Scotland
- Shakespeare wrote Macbeth at the beginning of King James I reign
- Before James succeeded Elizabeth I he was king of Scotland
- Placing the play in James’ homeland probably pleased him
- Macbeth was a real king of Scotland
- He did kill King Duncan
- Reigned from 1040-1057
- Unlike the Macbeth in Shakespeare’s play the real Macbeth had a legitimate claim to the throne
- The real Macbeth was a strong leader
- The real Macbeth’s reign was successful
- The real Macbeth was killed at Lumphanan as opposed to Dunsinane
- “Remember, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot...”
- In November 1605 the Gunpowder Plot was discovered, Guy Fawkes and his followers (Roman Catholics) planned to blow up Parliament. They wanted to bring down the British government and put a Catholic rulers on the throne. The plot was discovered and the men involved were tried and killed as traitors.
- Shakespeare sided with the king and seemed to think that a play about treason and death would find an audience at this time
- Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies (it is also his shortest)
- Aside from the violent nature of the plot Shakespeare uses several literary devices to enhance the feeling of evil. He creates a serious and sinister mood by having most of the play take place at night
- There is a heavy emphasis on the supernatural (witches, dreams, spells, and ghosts)
For more background information and other details about Macbeth, check out BBC Bitesize