Macbeth Context

Macbeth Context

1. Shakespeare's Life

   • Born in Stratford upon Avon, in those years he wrote many famous sonnets and poems of various genres
     • He wrote 37 different plays (Macbeth, JuiletOthello,Romeo and Juliet and much more)
       • In fifty two years he created seven plays

2. King James I of England

   • Macbeth was written in between 1603 and 1606. James was the first one on the throne in 1603. Macbeth was written in James's intrest.
     • It echoes his fascination with the supernatural (witches and prophecies).
       • This also links to the gunpowder plot

3. Succession and order

   • One of the main importance of Shakespeare is the issue of succession.
     • Elizabeth remained as the virgin queen. The rebillion was avoided in the future,hence the importance of degree (rank/class)

4. Main themes

   • Social Class
     • Good Example : Lady Macbeth takes charge of Macbeth when he is supposed to be the man and not a coward
   • Ambition
     • Macbeth is planning to kill Duncan, this is his main ambition through out the play
   • Apperance VS Reality
     • Macbeth and Banquo repeatdly ask questions. This shows their confusion they can't believe what they have seen

5. witches

   • many people feared witches above all else
   • thought to be servants of the devil