Lecture Notes on Macbeth - Folger Shakespeare Edition
Overview
Director's Foreword: Michael Witmore emphasizes Shakespeare's lasting impact, noting the Folger Editions' role in study and adaptation. The Folger Shakespeare Library is highlighted as a significant resource with its extensive collection.
Textual Introduction: Discusses the multiplicity of Shakespeare's texts, with different versions like Quartos and the First Folio. Folger editions aim for transparency in editorial changes, contrasting with older editions like the Moby Text.
Key Themes and Elements
Fate and Prophecy: The Werd Sisters' prophecies drive Macbeth's actions throughout the play.
Ambition and Power: Macbeth's desire for power leads to his moral and psychological decline.
Guilt and Conscience: Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth struggle with guilt, leading to mental unraveling.
Supernatural Influences: Witches and apparitions play pivotal roles in influencing Macbeth's fate.
Plot Summary
Act 1
Scene 1: The witches plan to meet Macbeth.
Scene 2: The valor of Macbeth in battle is reported to King Duncan.
Scene 3: The witches prophesy Macbeth's rise to power.
Scene 4: Duncan names Malcolm heir; Macbeth's ambition is stirred.
Scene 5: Lady Macbeth plots Duncan's murder.
Scene 6-7: Duncan arrives at Macbeth's castle; Macbeth hesitates, but Lady Macbeth urges him on.
Act 2
Scene 1: Macbeth hallucinates a dagger leading him to murder Duncan.
Scene 2: Macbeth kills Duncan; Lady Macbeth helps him frame the guards.
Scene 3-4: Macbeth is crowned king amidst chaos and suspicion.
Act 3
Scene 1: Banquo suspects Macbeth; Macbeth plans Banquo's murder.
Scene 2: Macbeth's mental state deteriorates.
Scene 3-4: Banquo is murdered, but Fleance escapes; Banquo's ghost haunts Macbeth.
Scene 5-6: The witches plan further schemes; Scottish nobles plot against Macbeth.
Act 4
Scene 1: Apparitions warn Macbeth; he resolves to kill Macduff's family.
Scene 2: Macduff's family is murdered.
Scene 3: Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty; they plan to overthrow Macbeth.
Act 5
Scene 1: Lady Macbeth's guilt manifests in sleepwalking.
Scene 2-3: Macbeth prepares for battle, despondent yet defiant.
Scene 4-7: The army disguises themselves with branches from Birnam Wood.
Scene 8: Macduff kills Macbeth; Malcolm is hailed as king.
Character Analysis
Macbeth: A tragic hero whose ambition leads to his downfall.
Lady Macbeth: Initially ruthless, her guilt ultimately overwhelms her.
Duncan: The benevolent king whose murder sets off the tragic events.
Banquo: Macbeth's friend, whose descendants are prophesied to inherit the throne.
Macduff: A nobleman opposed to Macbeth, ultimately avenges his family.