Overview
This lecture explores the historical, political, and cultural influences behind Shakespeare's Macbeth, highlighting its deviations from real history and connections to King James I.
Historical Basis of Macbeth
- The real Macbeth ruled Scotland from 1040 to 1057 and killed King Duncan I in battle.
- Macbeth married Kenneth III's granddaughter and was known as a fair, law-oriented king who promoted Christianity.
- Shakespeare's Macbeth differs, depicting him as a tyrant driven by visions and prophecies.
- In the play, Macbeth is killed by Macduff; in reality, he was killed by the future King Malcolm in 1057.
Shakespeare’s Sources and Adaptations
- Shakespeare likely used Raphael Holinshed’s "Chronicles" (1577) as a major source, which included the weird sisters and portrayed Banquo as Macbeth’s accomplice.
- The House of Stuart, James I’s lineage, claimed descent from Banquo, prompting Shakespeare to make Banquo a tragic, innocent victim whose heirs would become kings.
Themes and Political Context
- Macbeth features a united English-Scottish army, reflecting James I's unification of England and Scotland.
- The fall of the usurper Macbeth may reference contemporary threats to James I, such as the Gunpowder Plot.
Witchcraft and Superstition
- James I opposed witchcraft, wrote "Demonology," and presided over witch trials, influencing the malevolent depiction of witches in Macbeth.
- Witches and Banquo are portrayed in ways flattering to James I and his interests.
- Superstition surrounds Macbeth in the theater community, where uttering the play’s name is considered bad luck due to its alleged curse.
Performance and Critical Reception
- After King Charles I’s execution, Shakespeare’s original Macbeth was not performed; William Davenant’s adaptation became popular in the 18th century.
- Theater lore claims witches cursed the play, leading to its nickname "The Scottish Play."
Key Terms & Definitions
- Usurper — someone who seizes power illegally.
- Weird Sisters — the witches in Macbeth who prophesize Macbeth’s rise and fall.
- Gunpowder Plot — a 1605 plot to blow up the English Parliament.
- Demonology — King James I’s treatise on witchcraft.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the historical differences between real and fictional Macbeth.
- Read about the political climate during James I’s reign for context.
- Research Holinshed’s "Chronicles" as Shakespeare’s source material.