Macbeth context

Macbeth context

1. Elisabeth I (1558-1625)

   • supported and enjoyed shakespeare's work
   • influenced strong female characters
     • lady macbeth
     • challenged stereotypes at the time
   • the 'vergin' queen - no natural successor
     • james named as successor on her death bed
     • caused poliotical instability in england

2. witchcraft

   • hated and feared
     • women where seen as morally weaker or temptresses in bible eve
     • hundreds exacuted after being accused of crime
     • blamed for most bad things in this period e.g. disease, war failed crops
   • 'Daemonol ogie' - king james 1 book - described witches powers - three witches had many of these
     • had familliars
     • predicted the future
     • affected the weather - ( pathetic fallacy)
     • defined normal laws
     • cursed their enemies

3. kingship and royalty

   • devine chain of bring
     • god - king - nobles - freeman - peasants
   • constant fear of invasion throughout shakespears life
     • treason by 1st thane of cowdor - assisted invading troops
   • king believed to be gods representative on earth in shakespeare's england
     • regicide = unltimate crime and against gods will
       • unnatural results

4. king james