Macbeth an introduction

1
Macbeth an introduction
2
Historical Background

• Written between 1603 and 1607
• Based on Scottish history accounts
• Queen Elizabeths recent death and King James of
  Scotlands ascension

3
Written for King James

• Written to celebrate and legitimate King James
  ascension to the throne (supposedly)
• King James a descendent of Banquo
• Also King of Scotland
• King James had an interest in and wrote about
  witchcraft

4
Inconsistencies with history

• History books of the time revered Macbeth
• Ten year time difference between King Duncans
  murder
• Duncan not killed at Macbeths castle

5
Quotes

• Double double, toil and trouble.
• Is this not the dagger of the mind?
• Out, damned spot, out, I say!
• (Lifes) a tale told by an idiot, full of sound
  and fury, signifying nothing.

6
Themes

• Fate and Destiny How much can we shape it? How
  much are we shaped by it?
• Conscience and Karma Are we adversely affected
  by our actions? Can we act without consequences?
• Succession