Unveiling the Context of 'Macbeth' in Connection to The Great Chain of Being, Natural Order & Divine Right of Kings

1. LO: Understanding the context of ‘Macbeth’ and linking it to the play. The Great Chain of Being/Natural Order/The Divine Right of Kings The Great Chain of Being was a Christian idea that mapped out God’s natural hierarchy to the world and all its living creatures. Minerals and other inanimate things in nature were at the bottom of the chain, below plants, insects, and other “less noble” creatures. In the animal kingdom, mighty beasts like lions (especially admired in England and France as war heroes were often given appellations like “lion-hearted”), bears, and wolves reigned supreme. But humans undoubtedly ranked above the rest of the flora and fauna. The king—who was apparently God-chosen, according to absolute doctrines like the Divine Right of Kings—and clergy were the most important human beings. God, obviously, was at the very top of The Great Chain of Being. Since this holy chain was established by almighty and powerful God, it was considered sinful to disturb it and doing so would ultimately result in chaos.

2. LO: Understanding the context of ‘Macbeth’ and linking it to the play. The Great Chain of Being/Natural Order/The Divine Right of Kings • People in Shakespeare’s time believed that the there was a natural hierarchy (‘pecking order’) in life. • At the top of the chain was God; at the bottom, were rocks. • Since it was God’s hierarchy, any attempt to change the order of the chain was seen as against God. • People believed that Kings had been given their position by God (‘The Divine Right of Kings’). • Killing the King was seen as against God’s will and something that would bring chaos. Question 1: What reaction would have greeted Duncan’s death?

3. LO: Understanding the context of ‘Macbeth’ and linking it to the play. The Supernatural • Belief in witchcraft and demonology was widespread when the play was written. • Witchcraft seen as attempt to subvert the natural order. • James I wrote a book called ‘Demonology’ and increased the persecution of witches. Question 2: How would people feel about the witches? And Lady Macbeth calling on evil spirits?

4. LO: Understanding the context of ‘Macbeth’ and linking it to the play. Treason and Betrayal • James I survived an assassination attempt early in life. • His father (Lord Darnley) was murdered. • In 1605, the Gunpowder Plot was discovered – an attempt to blow up parliament and the King. Question 3: James I would have watched Macbeth? What would he have thought of it?

5. LO: Understanding the context of ‘Macbeth’ and linking it to the play. Macbeth: Role of Women • Meant to serve their husband • Women were meant to be more suggestable and open to evil. • Did not often have employment • Christians believe that the first woman was created from Adam’s rib.

6. LO: Understanding the context of ‘Macbeth’ and linking it to the play. Question 4: What have you learnt about the four topics below. How do they all link to James I? The Great Chain of Being/Natural Order/The Divine Right of Kings Treason and Betrayal The Supernatural JAMES I

7. LO: Understanding the context of ‘Macbeth’ and linking it to the play. Explain the diagram. Think about the themes and ideas in ‘Macbeth’. The Great Chain of Being/Natural Order/The Divine Right of Kings Treason and Betrayal Question 5: Why would this play have excited an audience at the time? Can you think of modern film which puts the audience into a similar position where normal life is turned upside down? The Supernatural JAMES I