Macbeth - Context

Macbeth - Context

1. Elizabeth I (1558 - 1603)

   • Possibly influenced Shakespeare to create many strong female characters
     • the 'virgin' queen - no natural successor
       • James named as successor on her death bed
         • caused political instability in England
     • challenged stereotype at the time
       • Lady Macbeth
         • Supported and enjoyed Shakespeare's work

2. James I (1603-1625)

   • protestant king of Scotland and England. Believed in witchcraft and black magic

3. The gunpowder plot (1605)

   • Attempt to kill King James I by blowing up parliament, by the catholic Guy Fawkes

4. Witchcraft in Jacobean England

   • Punishable by law, with the penalty of death and seizure of property

5. The great chain of being

   • Belief that everything is nature has its proper place, with the king at the top

6. The Divine right of kings

   • Belief that the king is god on earth
     • God - kings - nobles - freemen - peasants

7. Classical Tragedy

   • Type of play; the hero dies at the end because of a tragic flaw e.g. ambition