Macbeth
Historical Context
 Macbeth was written in 1606 – soon after King James
VI had taken the crown in 1603
 Macbeth was the first play Shakespeare wrote for a
monarch other than Elizabeth I, who died in 1603
 Shakespeare was influenced by gender stereotypes, the
supernatural and Macbeth’s Scotland when writing the
play Macbeth
Macbeth’s Scotland
 Shakespeare set Macbeth in Scottish history, soon after the
English rule
 Macbeth refers to 11th century Scotland
 Shakespeare created an evocation of medieval Scotland,
whose mood would frame the fictional Macbeth
 Shakespeare related the play to King James IV in the play as
he also became successor in England
Witches’ and Supernatural
 Scotland maintained in a belief in witch craft and
prophecies
 Witchcraft was seen as an evil practice – it was related
to the devil
 Witchcraft was punishable by death
 King James IV loved to study witchcraft
Gender
 During the Elizabethan era there were social
expectation about gender roles
 Shakespeare was not influenced by societies
expectation for women
 For example Lady Macbeth -> challenges Macbeth
 This was very different in society and caused
controversy in views
Quotes
 “I have given suck, and know how tender ‘tis to love
the babe that milks me, I would, while was smiling in
my face, have pluck’d my nipple from his boneless
gums, and dash’d the brains out, had I so sworn as you
have done to this” Act 1 Scene 7 line 54 - 58
Heroes
 Folk law heroes and fictional heroes has always been
an influence of many plays
 1600’s was a time peak for ‘villain hero’s’
 Shakespeare’s writing was influenced by Macbeth – a
‘hero’ in history
 His presence of hero’s in play are down played
Social Context
 The monarchy controlled England and Scotland
socially during the 1600’s
 Religion was a main power and influence in Scotland
& England in the 1600’s
 Shakespeare had made evident remarks about the
monarchy and religion in the play Macbeth
Monarchy
 The monarchy was very sacred & influential
 English monarchy managed to control the country
 People were not to abuse the monarchy
 In Macbeth Shakespeare had managed to criticize the
monarchy -> criticising the kings authority
Quotes
 “If good, why do I yield to that suggestion Whose
horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated
heart knock at my ribs, Against the use of nature?
Present fears Are less than horrible imaginings: My
thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, Shakes so
my single state of man that function Is smother'd in
surmise, and nothing is But what is not”. Act 1 Scene 3
line 9
Religion
 Religion and religious beliefs controlled many parts of Europe
in the 1600’s – including England and Scotland
 Religion was almost government itself ->
King or Queen had a large power over the church
and religion
 Macbeth’s religious beliefs/meaning ->The witches
representing the devil/evil& Macbeth ‘giving’ his soul
Quotes
 “Put rancors in the vessel of my peace Only for them;
and mine eternal jewel Given to the common enemy of
man, To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!”
Act 3 Scene 1 page
Practice essay question
 The context of the play would be helpful for character
and plot construction. An example question could be:
 “ How does Shakespeare evolve the characters based
on the contextual themes?”