guide for macbeth context

1. Warm-Up:
On a separate sheet of paper or in your
notebook, write a ten-word summary of
Macbeth Act 1, Scene 1. I want exactly
ten words – no more, no less!

2. Robert Browning once wrote “A
man’s reach should exceed his
grasp, or what’s a heaven for?” On
a separate sheet of paper or in your
notebook, paraphrase this quotation
and explain whether or not you
agree with this statement. Provide at
least one example or piece of
evidence for support.

3. On a separate sheet of paper or in your notebook, rate the
following statements from 1-5 (1 being not at all true, 5
being most true). Be prepared to discuss your answers!
1. People who are striving to get ahead often step on other
people.
2. Being powerful usually is the same thing as being happy.
3. One mistake can often lead to another.
4. Everyone is capable of murder under the right circumstances.
5. People who are involved in criminal activities can still feel
love, fear, and concern for other people.
6. Our lives are primarily governed by fate, not our actions.

4. “Something wicked this way comes…”

5. Setting
11th
century Scotland and England
When the play begins, there are two wars in progress:
1. Civil War - King Duncan (King of Scotland) vs.
Macdonwald’s rebels
2. National War - Scotland, led by King Duncan vs.
invading Norway, led by King Sweno

7. The Real Macbeth
• Born circa 1005
• Ascended throne August 14, 1040 after killing
Duncan I in battle
• Died August 15, 1057 after being killed in battle
by Malcolm III

8. • Written for King James I
(formerly of Scotland, now
England)
• James I of England
(formerly known as James
VI) was appointed by
Elizabeth I as her
successor.
– This was a smart political
move – it unified Scotland
and England. SWAG

9. So What?
• Shakespeare altered some historical details to
“suck up” to the King.
– Setting is Scotland (James’ hometown)
– Character of Banquo (relative of James) portrayed
as virtuous character

10. Other Elements James Would
Have Liked:
• James was a big believer in the “Divine Right
of Kings.”
• James believed himself to be an expert on
witchcraft and the supernatural.
– Both of these are central ideas of the text.

11. Why Elizabethan People Liked Macbeth:
• Demonstrates the Elizabethan belief that the country is
stable only if the King is good and virtuous.
• Elizabethans believed that evil occurs in darkness.
• Shakespeare included a lot of blood and murder, which
the Elizabethans expected to see in a play.
• The play was considered a thriller – a threat to an
anointed King and the perceived evil behind the threat.