Overview
This lecture provides an overview of Shakespeare's play Macbeth, its historical context, major plot points, themes, and key symbols.
Shakespeare's Background
- William Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
- He married Anne Hathaway in 1582 and had two daughters and a son (who died in childhood).
- Shakespeare worked with the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later renamed the King's Men under King James I.
- He achieved financial success and was buried in Stratford in 1616.
Historical Context of Macbeth
- Macbeth is loosely based on the real Scottish king who reigned from 1040 to 1057.
- Historical Macbeth killed Duncan I on the battlefield, not in a castle.
- The play's depiction of Macbeth as a tyrant differs from historical accounts of him as a fair king.
- Shakespeare was influenced by Raphael Holinshed's chronicles and tailored characters for King James I.
- Banquo, ancestor to the Stuarts, is portrayed honorably to flatter James I.
Plot Summary of Macbeth
- Macbeth defeats rebels McDonald and the Thane of Cawdor for King Duncan.
- Three witches prophesy Macbeth will become king and Banquo's descendants will be kings.
- Macbeth, spurred by the prophecy and Lady Macbeth, murders King Duncan and assumes the throne.
- Duncan's sons flee; Macbeth arranges Banquo's murder—Banquo is killed, but his son escapes.
- Haunted by Banquo's ghost, Macbeth seeks more prophecies from the witches.
- The witches warn him about Macduff, say no one born of a woman can harm him, and predict his fall when a forest moves to his castle.
- Macbeth kills Macduff's family; Lady Macbeth goes mad and dies.
- Malcolm and Macduff lead an army against Macbeth using forest branches as camouflage.
- Macduff, born by caesarean, kills Macbeth, and Malcolm becomes king.
Themes and Symbols
- Blood symbolizes guilt shared by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
- Ghosts represent the past haunting the present and future.
- Storms symbolize political and social unrest, foreshadowing treason.
- Ambition is Macbeth's tragic flaw, causing his downfall.
- Lady Macbeth defies traditional gender roles through her ruthlessness.
- Prophecies act as fate, but Macbeth actively fulfills them.
- Loyalty is rewarded; betrayal is punished.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Thane — a Scottish nobleman.
- Prophecy — a prediction of future events, often supernatural.
- Tragic flaw — a character trait leading to a protagonist's downfall.
- Caesarean section — surgical childbirth, relevant to Macduff's birth.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the key symbols and motifs for essay preparation.
- Read the original text or watch a performance of Macbeth for deeper understanding.