The Number Three and Macbeth Themes

Nov 14, 2024

Lecture Notes: The Mystical Number Three and Themes in Macbeth

Significance of the Number Three

  • Three Witches (Weird Sisters):
    • Deliver two sets of three prophecies to Macbeth.
  • Three Murders Planned by Macbeth:
    • Before the final battle with Macduff.
  • Cultural Reference:
    • "Third time's the charm" - a modern incantation.

William Shakespeare's Background

  • Birth:
    • Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
    • Baptized on April 26, 1564; traditionally, birthday celebrated on April 23.
  • Family:
    • Married Anne Hathaway in 1582.
    • Had two daughters and a son (son died in childhood).
  • Career:
    • Primary writer and performer with the Lord Chamberlain's Men Theatre Company.
    • Well-established in London theatre by 1603.
    • Company renamed the King's Men after James I took over as King of England.
  • Death:
    • Died on April 23, 1616, buried in Holy Trinity Church.

Historical Context of Macbeth

  • Based on Historical Events:
    • Macbeth ruled Scotland from 1040-1057, killed Duncan I on the battlefield, not in his castle.
    • Unlike the play, Macbeth was a fair and law-oriented king.
  • Shakespeare's Inspiration:
    • Raphael Holinshed's 'Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland' (1577).
    • Banquo was made a co-conspirator; historical Banquo linked to James I's lineage.
    • Witches included due to James I's anti-witchcraft laws.

Plot Summary of Macbeth

  • Opening:
    • Macbeth defeats Macdonwald and the Thane of Cawdor.
  • First Prophecy Fulfillment:
    • Becomes Thane of Cawdor, plans with Lady Macbeth to kill King Duncan and take the throne.
  • Murders and Madness:
    • Kills Duncan, frames the guards.
    • Murders Banquo; his son escapes.
    • Haunted by Banquo’s ghost.
  • Second Prophecy Set:
    • Warned of Macduff, told no one born of a woman can harm him, and downfall will come when a forest moves.
    • Feels invincible.
  • Downfall:
    • Macduff and Malcolm fight Macbeth.
    • Macduff (Caesarean-born) kills Macbeth.
    • Prophecies fulfilled.

Themes and Symbols

  • Blood: Represents guilt of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
  • Ghosts: Past actions haunting present/future.
  • Storms: Symbolize unrest, foreshadow political/social treason.
  • Ambition: Macbeth's tragic flaw, motivates murders.
  • Gender Roles: Lady Macbeth's rejection of traditional femininity.
  • Prophecies: Act as destiny, Macbeth's actions align with them.
  • Loyalty vs. Betrayal: Loyalty rewarded, betrayal punished.

Cultural Impact

  • Famous Quote: "Double, double, toil and trouble; fire, burn, and cauldron bubble."
  • Legacy: Language and themes continue to resonate centuries after Shakespeare's death.