Shakespeare's "Macbeth" - Historical and Contextual Analysis

Historical Context

• Time Periods:

  • Most of Shakespeare's plays were written during the Elizabethan era (Queen Elizabeth I's reign).
  • "Macbeth" was written in 1606 during the Jacobean period.

• Political Climate:

  • After Elizabeth I's death in 1603, King James I of Scotland took the English throne, uniting England and Scotland.
  • The transition of power was contentious, leading to events like the Gunpowder Plot (1605).

• Influence on "Macbeth":

  • Themes of usurpation and rightful rule in "Macbeth" relate to the political turbulence.
  • Shakespeare uses the play to warn against ambition and regicide, not to question King James's legitimacy.

Characterization and Themes

• Banquo:

  • Portrayed as noble and honorable, reflecting well on King James’s lineage.
  • Witches' prophecy about Banquo's descendants alludes to James ruling England and Scotland.

• Great Chain of Being:

  • A Renaissance belief in a strict hierarchical order, with God at the top and the king as His lieutenant.
  • Macbeth's act of killing King Duncan disrupts this order, leading to chaos.

Renaissance Influence

• Humanism vs. Religious Thought:
  • Shakespeare's time was a transitional period between medieval religious views and Renaissance humanism.
  • "Macbeth" explores old paradigms (superstition, fate) vs. new (individual free will).
  • The play includes elements to intrigue King James, known for his interest in witchcraft.

Gender Roles

• Subversion of Stereotypes:
  • Lady Macbeth exhibits masculine traits; Macbeth is portrayed with traditionally feminine traits.
  • Raises questions about Shakespeare's stance on gender roles and societal norms.

Influence of Classical Works

• Form and Structure:

  • "Macbeth" is a dramatic tragedy, influenced by classical Greek theater, specifically Aristotle's concepts of tragedy:
    • Parapattaya: The hero's turn of fortune.
    • Hamatia: The hero’s fatal flaw.
    • Pathos: Evoking audience pity.
    • Anagnorisis: The hero's realization and acceptance of doom.
    • Catharsis: Emotional release through the hero’s death.

• Renaissance Rediscovery:

  • The period was marked by a revival of Greek and Roman art and philosophy, influencing Shakespeare's narrative style.

Conclusion

• Shakespeare’s "Macbeth" is deeply intertwined with its historical context and the intellectual currents of the Renaissance.
• Themes of power, ambition, gender roles, and human nature are shaped by both the political climate and classical influences.

For further study, explore the detailed summary and thematic analysis of "Macbeth" in additional resources.