SHAKESPEARE = MACBETH

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SHAKESPEARE MACBETH
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WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in
1564. Very little is known about his life, but by
1592 he was in London working as an actor and a
dramatist. Between about 1590 and 1613,
Shakespeare wrote at least 37 plays and
collaborated on several more. Many of these plays
were very successful both at court and in the
public playhouses. In 1613, Shakespeare retired
from the theatre and returned to
Stratford-upon-Avon. He died 3 years later.
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.Shakespeare continued
His plays consisted of comedies, histories and
tragedies.His 17 comedies include A Midsummer
Nights Dream and Much Ado About Nothing. Among
his 10 history plays are Henry V and Richard III.
The most famous among his 10 tragedies are
Hamlet, Othello, and MACBETH.
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what inspired Shakespeares Macbeth?
Macbeth (1005-57) King of Scotland (1040-57).
He came to the throne after killing his cousin
Duncan I in battle, and was himself defeated and
killed by Malcolm III.
Though Macbeth is not considered a history play,
the title character is a Scottish historical
figure. Macbeth was king of Scotland for 17
years. Shakespeare used this history as well as
other sources to bring together his play.
(Holinshed and Buchanan) He uses these sources to
explore the themes of KINGSHIP, HUMAN NATURE, and
EVIL.
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The Theatre

• Plays produced for the general public
• Rooflessgtopen air
• No artificial lighting
• Courtyard surrounded by 3 levels of galleries
• Wealthy got benches
• Groundlingsgtpoorer people stood and watched
  from the courtyard (pit)
• All but wealthy were uneducated/illiterate
• Much more interaction than today

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what inspired Macbeth continued
Many believe the ascension of King James I to the
English throne could have been what inspired
Macbeth. James became the personal patron of
Shakespeares acting company, The Kings Men.
(Formerly The Chamberlains Men) This change in
patronage allowed for more opportunities in
performing and financial assistance. Some
believe Macbeth was a tribute to King James while
others believed it to be a criticism.
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One of the shortest and most widely recognized
plays. One of the four great Shakespearian
tragedies. Written almost 400 years
ago. Explores human nature, ambition, human
relationships, supernatural forces, and kingship.
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Passion and reason
ambition
Good and evil
Order and disorder
emotion
illusion
GENDER
THEMES