The gunpowder plot
What is the gunpowder plot?
a failed attempt to assassinate King James I of England and blow up the Houses of Parliament and replace him with a Catholic monarch.
What was the title of the historical source that inspired Macbeth’s storyline?
Holinshed’s Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland
What monarch did King James I succeed?
Queen Elizabeth I
What was the political system in 11th century Scotland?
Feudalism
Who is Macbeth?
Scottish king ruled from 1040 to 1057, unlike the tyrant depicted in Shakespeare’s play.
What happened to the Gun powder plot Conspirators?
They were tortured and executed.
What is the Holinshed Chronicles?
Shakespeare’s Macbeth was inspired by this source, which blended history with legend, shaping the dramatic narrative.
Why was Macbeth written to appeal to King James I?
Written to appeal to King James I by highlighting themes of kingship, the divine right of kings, and witchcraft, which aligned with his interests and beliefs.
Who is Malcolm III?
Historical Scottish king, who ruled after eventually defeating Macbeth and claimed the throne in 1057.
Who is King Duncan I?
Macbeth gained the throne by defeating this king in battle.
What year did the Gunpowder Plot take place?
1605
Why was witchcraft included in Macbeth and its historical significance?
Shakespeare likely included the witches in Macbeth to resonate with King James I’s fascination with this supernatural belief system, which was central to the political and cultural climate of the time.
How did the mood of Shakespeare play change from the Elizabethan to the Jacobean Era?
the shift from Elizabethan to Jacobean plays reflects a move from idealism to darker, more complex and tragic themes.
how did feudalism affect the people of Scotland?
Kept power in the hands of a few, leading to limited mobility for common people, while also fostering loyalty and conflict between different levels of society, especially during power struggles like those seen in Macbeth.
How was real-life king Macbeth different from shakespeare's Version
In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the character is portrayed as a ruthless, power-hungry murderer, but this historical figure was actually a more just and respected ruler.
Why did the conspirators want to kill King James I?
The plotters wanted to replace James with a Catholic monarch, as England had been Protestant since this king’s rule.
What is Macbeth’s murder of King Duncan?
Holinshed’s Chronicles blends historical facts with legends, and this 11th-century political event involving Macbeth’s rise to power is presented a tale of betrayal and ambition.
Which quote from Macbeth captures the tone of Jacobean Era. (The Jacobean era in literature is depicted with ambition, corruption, and moral ambiguity)
a) "Fair is foul, and foul is fair."
b) "To be thus is nothing; but to be safely thus."
c) " Out, out brief candle! "
d) "What’s done is done."
B) "To be thus is nothing; but to be safely thus."
What is feudalism?
The system of land ownership and social hierarchy dominated
What is Macbeth’s legitimate claim to the throne?
Historical Macbeth had a strong claim to the throne as a cousin of King Duncan, unlike the usurper character in the play
How is the Gunpowder Plot reflected in Macbeth?
Shakespeare included themes of treason and betrayal in Macbeth to reflect the fears caused by this event.
What is Macbeth’s murder of King Duncan?
Holinshed’s Chronicles blends historical facts with legends, and this 11th-century political event involving Macbeth’s rise to power is presented as a tale of betrayal and ambition.
When was the Kings James Bible Published?
1611.
What major battle helped determine Macbeth's Fate in the play?
The battle of Birnam Wood, fought between Macbeth and the forces of Malcolm and Siward, ultimately determined Macbeth’s fate in the play.
Where was MacBeth's final battle?
Battle Birnam