ELIZABETHAN & JACOBEAN CONTEXT
This era was marked by peace, prosperity, and flourishing arts.
What is the Elizabethan Era?
Actors call the play Macbeth by this alternate name when inside a theater to avoid bad luck.
What is The Scottish Play?
A conversation between two or more characters that moves the action of the plot forward:
What is dialogue?
A play dealing with serious events and an unhappy ending.
What is a tragedy?
Translate “durst.”
What is Dared?
Macbeth is set in this country in part to honor King James I
What is Scotland?
Superstition says saying “Macbeth” inside a theater causes this.
What is Bad luck?
A long speech delivered by a single character while other characters are listening. It usually has a specific focus or theme.
What is a monologue?
A tragic hero begins the story in a high position or a position of power and always ends this way regardless of whether or not they actually die.
What is low?
Translate “ere.”
What is before?
This monarch succeeded Elizabeth I and became James I of England.
Who is James VI of Scotland?
King James was especially obsessed with this subject, which appears in the play.
What is witchcraft?
A speech in which a character alone on stage reveals their private thoughts.
What is a Soliloquy?
The fatal character weakness that causes a hero’s downfall.
What is Tragic flaw (Hamartia)?
Translate “thither.”
What is there?
This historical source inspired Shakespeare’s plot for Macbeth.
What is Holinshed’s Chronicles?
King James even wrote a book about witchcraft called by this title.
What is Daemonologie?
A short remark directed to the audience, and perhaps one other character present on stage, that the remaining characters do not hear.
What is an aside?
When the audience has knowledge that one or more characters do not have, this is called
What is Dramatic irony ?
Translate “wherefore.”
What is why?
The real Macbeth ruled from 1040–1057 and was generally considered this kind of king.
What is "a good king"?
This character and real historical figure was included in the play partly because King James claimed to be descended from him:
Who is Banquo?
Written instructions in a script indicating movement of the actors, emotional delivery and/or sometimes even staging, props or production requirements.
What are stage directions?
Common tragic flaws found in Shakespearean tragedy include excessive pride, greed, and too much of this.
What is ambition?
Translate: “I durst thee to fly thither.”
What is I dare you to run away there.