Context
Witchcraft and supernatural were both of great interest and hugely feared. Again, King James I was highly intrigued by (and suspicious of) the supernatural, and even wrote about the subject. The audience believed anything associated with the supernatural to be evil and menacing
Supernatural
Malcom Flees & Macbeth is Crowned
Act 2
Banquo’s Son
Fleance
Macbeth
Fair is foul and Foul is fair
Act 1 Scene 1
A century earlier, England had experienced chaotic disorder during the War of the Roses. An underlying threat is evident throughout the play that treachery may once again bring disaster. Many events in the play challenge the idea of ‘order’
Order
Cawdor is executed for betraying the King
Act 1
Duncan‘s Son
Malcom
Overwhelmed, Immoral, Malevolent
Lady Macbeth
Act 5 Scene 1
There were strong expectations of both men and women throughout this period. Women were expected to be submissive to their husbands. A woman with an education was still a rarity. Women were ruled by men and supposed to be pious and pure. The idea that a woman could challenge a man was unheard of and would have shocked audiences
Gender
Macduff's family is murdered
Act 4
A Scottish Noble Man (Men)
Ross and Lennox
Fierce, Loyal, Passionate
Macduff
“I have thee not, and yet I see thee still”
Act 2 Scene 1
Shakespeare enjoyed a close relationship with King James I and it is thought that in focusing on Macbeth as a figure from Scottish history he was paying homage the King’s lineage
Politics
Lady Macbeth Dies
Act 5
Thane of Fife
Macduff
Generous, Moral, Naïve
King Duncan
“To know my deed, ‘twere best not know of myself”
Act 2 Scene 2
The accepted belief was that everyone had his or her place in life. Monarchs were seen as second only to God. The idea of Macbeth planning to kill the King of Scotland would have caused outrage and shock in the audience
Philosophy
Banquo Suspects Macbeth
Act 3
Queen of the Witches
Hecate
Brave, Concerned, Curious
Banquo
“There’s daggers in mens smiles. The near in blood, The nearer bloody”
Act 3 Scene 3