Macbeth by William Shakespeare | Context

Summary

The historical context of Shakespeare's *Macbeth* reveals significant deviations from the real-life events. The real Macbeth ruled Scotland from 1040-1057, and while he killed King Duncan, it occurred on the battlefield, not in a treacherous murder. Shakespeare's version, however, emphasizes Macbeth's descent into tyranny, influenced by prophecies and supernatural visions, reflecting the interests of King James I. The play incorporates elements that flatter James, including the portrayal of Banquo and the witches. Additionally, *Macbeth* became associated with bad luck in the theatre, with actors referring to it as 'the Scottish play' due to a superstition linked to the witches' curse.

Takeaways

• 😀 Macbeth is based on a real historical figure who ruled Scotland from 1040 to 1057, but Shakespeare's portrayal differs significantly.
• 😀 The real Macbeth killed his predecessor Duncan on a battlefield, not in his own home as depicted in the play.
• 😀 Historical Macbeth was known as a fair and law-oriented king who supported the spread of Christianity, in contrast to the tyrant shown in the play.
• 😀 Shakespeare's Macbeth is killed by Macduff, whereas the real Macbeth was killed by Malcolm, who later became king.
• 😀 Shakespeare's version of Macbeth was likely influenced by Raphael Hollandshed's chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland, published in 1577.
• 😀 Banquo was portrayed as a co-conspirator with Macbeth in Hollandshed's account, but Shakespeare altered this to make him a victim, possibly to flatter King James I.
• 😀 The play emphasizes Banquo's lineage as the father of future kings, aligning with the House of Stuart's claim of descent from Banquo.
• 😀 Shakespeare included themes in Macbeth designed to appeal to James I, such as the defeat of a usurper and the unity of England and Scotland under one crown.
• 😀 James I was particularly concerned with witchcraft, and Macbeth's witches likely reflect his views, as he had written a treatise on witchcraft and presided over witch trials.
• 😀 The superstition surrounding Macbeth in the theatre community stems from the belief that the play is cursed, especially after the witches' incantations were revealed to the public.
• 😀 After the execution of James I’s son, Charles I, Macbeth was rarely performed in its original Shakespearean form, with adaptations taking precedence.

Q & A

What is the historical context behind Shakespeare's Macbeth?

Macbeth, although not classified as one of Shakespeare's history plays, is based on historical events. The real Macbeth ruled Scotland from 1040 to 1057 and killed his predecessor, Duncan I, in battle, not in his own home, as depicted in the play.

How does Shakespeare's portrayal of Macbeth differ from the real King Macbeth?

Shakespeare's Macbeth is depicted as a tyrant obsessed with the supernatural, whereas the real King Macbeth was described as a fair and law-abiding ruler who promoted Christianity in Scotland.

Who killed the real Macbeth, and how does that compare to the play?

The real Macbeth was killed by Malcolm, the future king, in 1057. In contrast, Shakespeare's Macbeth is killed by Macduff, a character created by the playwright.

What was Raphael Hollandshed's influence on Shakespeare's Macbeth?

Shakespeare's version of Scottish history was influenced by Raphael Hollandshed's 'Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland,' published in 1577, which included the witches and made Banquo a co-conspirator with Macbeth.

Why did Shakespeare emphasize Banquo’s role in Macbeth?

Shakespeare made Banquo a victim of Macbeth's treachery because Banquo was considered an ancestor of the House of Stuart, which was the royal family of James I, Shakespeare's contemporary.

How does Macbeth reflect the political climate during James I's reign?

Macbeth incorporates elements that resonate with James I's reign, such as the defeat of a usurper, the unification of Scotland and England, and references to witchcraft, which were significant during his rule.

What was the significance of the Gunpowder Plot in relation to Macbeth?

The Gunpowder Plot, a failed attempt to assassinate James I and destroy Parliament, is reflected in Macbeth through the theme of regicide and the political turmoil that James I experienced during his reign.

What role does witchcraft play in Shakespeare's Macbeth?

Witchcraft is central to the play, with the witches acting as agents of chaos and prophecy. This likely appealed to James I, who had a strong interest in witchcraft and even published a treatise on the subject.

Why was Macbeth not performed in its original form throughout the 18th century?

After the execution of James I’s son, Charles I, Macbeth was not performed in its original Shakespearean form. An adaptation by William Davenant, who claimed descent from Shakespeare, became more popular.

What superstition surrounds the play Macbeth in the theater world?

There is a superstition in the theater that Macbeth is cursed due to the witches' incantations being revealed in the play. This has led to a tradition where the play's title is rarely spoken aloud, with actors referring to it as 'the Scottish play.'