Introduction|
Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to:
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Introduction
Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's most popular tragedies written in blank verse. Part of the reason is because of the length. It is Shakespeare's shortest of the four great tragedies at only 2,107 lines. It is also one of Shakespeare's most violent tragedies. There are over 100 references to bloodshed in this play, and the number of dead bodies carried off the stage is truly staggering.
Another important element that makes the play very popular with audiences is a group of witches known as the "Weird Sisters" (Remember studying about Wyrd, the goddess of destiny, in Beowulf? That's where their name comes from). Just like the Elizabethans, we are intrigued by witchcraft and magic.
As you read Macbeth, you will be keenly reminded of what can happen if you deal with the "instruments of darkness."
In 1603, at about the middle of Shakespeare's career as a playwright, a new monarch took the throne of England after Elizabeth's death. He was James VI of Scotland, who then became James I of England. Immediately, London was alive with an interest in all things Scottish. Shakespeare's acting company, which became the King's Men under James's patronage, sometimes staged their plays for the new king's entertainment, just as they had for Queen Elizabeth before him.
It was probably within this context that Shakespeare turned to Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles of Scotland for material for a tragedy. In eleventh century Scottish history, Shakespeare found a story of violence - the slaughter of whole armies and of innocent families, the assassination of kings, the ambush of nobles by murderers, the brutal execution of rebels, and scheming witches who provided advice to traitors. Such accounts would appeal to King James who considered himself quite an expert in witchcraft.
Under his rule in Scotland, many harsh laws were passed against the practice of witchcraft, and he had personally taken part in the execution of some women as witches. Shakespeare was well aware of this, and so the time seemed right for a play about witches, magic, and the power of evil. It's not a bad idea to agree with your new king publicly!
To further impress King James, Shakespeare changed some very important historical facts in his play. James could trace his royal ancestry all the way back to a thane named Banquo in the eleventh century. In the history book, Banquo was a partner in crime to Macbeth in the murder of King Duncan. However, in Shakespeare's version, Banquo is innocent and refuses to help Macbeth, a decision which will cost him his life. It's another good idea - flatter the king by making his ancestor a hero!
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