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Macbeth 5:7. Bear Baiting. Bear baiting was used as a form of entertainment considered a "blood sport" chained up bear. The most popular "bear garden" was the Paris center in London in a section of the city known as Bankside. Royal Influence. bear baiting was most popular under Queen
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Macbeth 5:7 Bear Baiting
Bear baiting was used as a form of entertainment • considered a "blood sport" chained up bear
The most popular "bear garden" was the Paris center in London in a section of the city known as Bankside
Royal Influence • bear baiting was most popular under Queen Elizabeth I • Queen Elizabeth I was an ardent patron of Shakespeare and the literary arts
Cultural Context • the Elizabethan era was a period of English rebirth, in terms of the arts • the rebirth was caused in part by the economic stability under the Queen's rules • in turn, more citizens had more leisure time and explored the entertainment options like bear baiting
Strengths and Weaknesses • effective deterrent for criminals • free entertainment for all classes • inspired perseverance • cruel and inhumane • dangerous for all parties involved
Macbeth "They have tied me to a stake; I cannot fly But bear-like, I must fight the course. What's he that was not born of a woman? Such a one I am to fear, or none"
Macbeth is comparing his situation to that of a trapped bear. The bear was strapped to a stake while the dogs worried it. As a result, the bear was left with no other option except to fight. So Macbeth is making this reference to the tenacity of the bear to make himself seem more competent in his endeavor
Citations http://www.shakespeare-online.com/faq/entertainment.html http://www.shakespeare-literature.com/Macbeth/27.html