SHAKESPEARE = MACBETH. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564. Very little is known about his life, but by 1592 he was.

SHAKESPEARE = MACBETH

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564. Very little is known about his life, but by 1592 he was in London working as an actor and a dramatist. Between about 1590 and 1613, Shakespeare wrote at least 37 plays and collaborated on several more. Many of these plays were very successful both at court and in the public playhouses. In 1613, Shakespeare retired from the theatre and returned to Stratford-upon-Avon. He died 3 years later.

….Shakespeare continued

His plays consisted of comedies, histories and tragedies.His 17 comedies include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Much Ado About Nothing. Among his 10 history plays are Henry V and Richard III. The most famous among his 10 tragedies are Hamlet, Othello, and MACBETH.

…what inspired Shakespeare’s Macbeth?

Macbeth (1005-57) King of Scotland (1040-57). He came to the throne after killing his cousin Duncan I in battle, and was himself defeated and killed by Malcolm III.

Though Macbeth is not considered a history play, the title character is a Scottish historical figure. Macbeth was king of Scotland for 17 years. Shakespeare used this history as well as other sources to bring together his play. (Holinshed and Buchanan) He uses these sources to explore the themes of KINGSHIP, HUMAN NATURE, and EVIL.

The Theatre Plays produced for the general public Roofless>open air No artificial lighting Courtyard surrounded by 3 levels of galleries Wealthy got benches “Groundlings”>poorer people stood and

watched from the courtyard (“pit”) All but wealthy were uneducated/illiterate Much more interaction than today

…what inspired Macbeth continued

Many believe the ascension of King James I to the English throne could have been what inspired Macbeth. James became the personal patron of Shakespeare’s acting company, The King’s Men. (Formerly The Chamberlain’s Men) This change in patronage allowed for more opportunities in performing and financial assistance. Some believe Macbeth was a tribute to King James while others believed it to be a criticism.

+One of the shortest and most widely recognized plays.

+One of the four great Shakespearian tragedies.

+Written almost 400 years ago.

+Explores human nature, ambition, human relationships, supernatural forces, and kingship.

ambition

Good and evil

Order and disorder

emotion

illusion

Passion

and reason

THEMES

GENDER