MACBETH CONTEXT

MACBETH CONTEXT

1. Supernatural

   • Contemporary audience belived witches were the enemies of mankind, shouldn't be trusted.
   • Role: expose the evil within Macbeth, highlight the forces of evil at work in the world and create a powerful atmosphere.
   • An interest of King James 1.

2. Tragic hero

   • Fatal flaw that leads to their downfall.
     • Macbeth's is ambition.
   • Disrespect for the natural order.
     • Commits regicide-kills Duncan.
   • 3:4 beginning of his downfall- at the peak of his career but makes the guests suspicious.

3. King James I

   • Became King in 1603.
   • Fascinated by witches- Macbeth written to please the King.
   • Compliments him, his ancestor Banquo is a hero in the play.

4. Published in 1606.

5. Women in the 16th century

   • Commonly housewives-kept busy.
   • Marriages commonly arranged.
   • Men had power over them in public, may have been different in private.
   • LM shares alternate lines with M- suggests on the same team/share power in their relationship.

6. Contemporary audiences

   • Suicide seen as a sin- makes LM death worse than M. Her soul wouldn't make it to heaven.
   • Renaissance audience familiar with the 'wheel of fortune'- karma.
     • Restoration of natural order Macduff takes over thrown.
     • Would see M being killed as good so natural order is restored.