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Macbeth: A Political Tribute to King James I

Explore the intense psychological study and historical background of Shakespeare's play, written at the peak of his creative power. Dive into the bloody drama of a psychotic killer and his wife, set against the backdrop of political intrigue and power struggles. Unravel the complexities of Macbeth's reign and his ultimate downfall, drawing parallels to the political landscape of Shakespeare's time. Discover the influence of historical events and King James I's reign in this suspenseful thriller that delves into themes of ambition, power, and fate.

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Macbeth: A Political Tribute to King James I

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  1. Macbeth, Or The Scottish Play Based on lectures by William Harlan

  2. Just so you know… • Intense psychological study • Historical background • Written in 1605-1606 • Shakespeare was at his height of creative POWER • Blackfriars theatre • Blackfriars vs. The Globe

  3. Blood & Guts • Bloody, violent drama • Psychotic killer & his fiendlike wife • Suspense thriller • Tribute? • To King James I of England, who was also the King of Scotland

  4. Of course, it’s POLITICAL! • Macbeth is an openly political play • Based on events & life of a real historic figure…sort of • He wrote about a time 500 years in the past • Make a moral point about the present society • Kings used history to maintain power

  5. Cite the Sources • Holinshed’s Chronicles of Scottish History • Gossip, tales, and fantasy • Flawed perspective • Heighten drama • Simplify complexities • Kiss up to King James

  6. Anachronisms • Actual story of Macbeth takes place around 1050 in Scotland • Play is full of references taking place in 1605 in England • Gunpowder Plot

  7. The Real Deal • 1040- Macbeth becomes KING • He killed Duncan in battle • Ruled for 17 years • Killed by Duncan’s son, Malcom III • Married a Princess & a Saint

  8. Stop the Violence • It’s the Dark Ages • Of the 8 Scottish Kings, 7 died “unnatural” deaths • Including being suspiciously burned Last Man Standing!

  9. A Violent Example • Braveheart

  10. Concerns of the Royal Families • Succession • Keep the CROWN within the family

  11. The Stuart Kings • Longest surviving royal family in all of Europe • When Shakespeare wrote Macbeth, there had been 8 generations of Stuart Kings • Hired an historian to create a respectable claim to the throne • Banquo, was told by goddesses of destiny

  12. So, HOW is this a tribute? • England & Scotland historic enemies • King James I- King of BOTH ??? • GOAL: United Kingdom • This would take over 100 years

  13. So? • Shakespeare wrote Macbeth to advance King James’ political agenda • Emphasized commonality • Banquo (the King’s mythical ancestor) was presented in neutral way • FATE • Waits to fulfill the prophecy of his family’s future

  14. Gunpowder Plot • November 1605 • Catholic extremists planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament • The plot was discovered • Conspirators were tortured, confessed, and executed • England was changed forever

  15. Witches & Ghosts • Folklore of witch craft • Superstition in the theatre

  16. As you read, LOOK for these: • Aristotle’s Tragedy • Moral Weakness or Flaw • Witches or Fates • Banquo as a FOIL • Natural Imagery • Lady Macbeth • Moral Ambiguity • Manhood

  17. Questions! • At the bottom of your notes page, write out FIVE questions that you have about the play.

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