GCSE English Literature Exam Revision: Macbeth - Context

Summary

This video offers critical context for understanding William Shakespeare's 'Macbeth,' focusing on historical and political backdrops that influenced the play. It delves into King James I's reign, the real Macbeth's rule, and the Gunpowder Plot's impact on the narrative. The video also explores the role of religion, witchcraft, and the significance of the number three in the play, suggesting a deliberate ambiguity that may reflect Shakespeare's own religious sentiments and the era's social order.

Takeaways

• 📚 Context is crucial for understanding the relationship between texts and their historical setting, which is an assessment objective for exam boards.
• 👑 James I, who became king of England and Scotland after Elizabeth I's death, had a lineage that was not as clear-cut as desired, leading to past civil wars.
• 📖 Raphael Holinshed's chronicles influenced Shakespeare's depiction of Duncan as a weak king, contrasting with the real historical figure.
• 🎭 The real Macbeth was a fair and just king, unlike his portrayal in Shakespeare's play, possibly due to political pressures and royal patronage.
• 👮‍♂️ Society at the time was heavily influenced by the church and the crown, with concepts like feudalism and the divine right of kings deeply ingrained.
• 💣 The Gunpowder Plot of 1605, an attempt to kill King James, is reflected in the play's theme of traitors and the chaos that ensues from disrupting the social order.
• 🤔 There is speculation that Shakespeare's family had Catholic sympathies, which may be reflected in the ambiguity around religion in his plays.
• 🔮 King James's obsession with witches, fueled by personal experiences and his writings on demonology, is mirrored in the supernatural elements of 'Macbeth'.
• 🔢 The number three, significant in Christianity, is used repeatedly in the play, possibly to create ambiguity or to reflect the holy trinity.
• 👻 The presence of supernatural elements, such as the ghost of Banquo and the floating dagger, can be interpreted as either real or hallucinations of Macbeth.
• 🎭 The play can be seen as propaganda, illustrating the consequences of treason and reflecting the desire to maintain the social and religious order of the time.

Q & A

Why is context important in understanding Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'?

Context is important because it helps to understand the relationship between texts and the circumstances in which they were written, which is one of the assessment objectives used by examiners to grade students' understanding.

Who was James VI of Scotland and how did he become King of England and Scotland?

James VI of Scotland was the king during Queen Elizabeth I's reign. Upon her death, he became the King of England and Scotland because Elizabeth had no children, and James was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, making him a cousin of Elizabeth.

What historical inaccuracies are present in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'?

The real Macbeth was a fair and just king, and Banquo was historically an ally of Macbeth, not an enemy as portrayed in the play. These changes may have been made to align with King James' preferences and to create a more compelling narrative.

How did Shakespeare's company come under royal patronage?

Shakespeare's company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, came under royal patronage after King James I took the throne, and it was subsequently known as the King's Men.

Why might Shakespeare have portrayed Banquo as an ally of good in 'Macbeth'?

Banquo was portrayed as an ally of good possibly because he was related to King James, and Shakespeare may have wanted to please the king and avoid any negative portrayals that could upset the royal family.

What was the significance of the Gunpowder Plot and how is it reflected in 'Macbeth'?

The Gunpowder Plot was an attempt to blow up King James and the English establishment in 1605. It is reflected in 'Macbeth' through the use of the word 'equivocator,' which was used by a Jesuit priest involved in the plot, and it became a term for double-talking to hide one's true beliefs.

How did the Church's persecution of non-believers during Shakespeare's time influence his work?

The Church's persecution, including the burning of heretics and the execution of so-called witches, influenced Shakespeare to include such themes in his plays, including 'Macbeth,' where he creates ambiguity around the role of witches.

What is the significance of the number three in 'Macbeth' and its relation to Christian beliefs?

The number three is significant in 'Macbeth' as it appears multiple times, possibly as an antithesis to the Christian concept of the Holy Trinity, the three apostles, and three archangels, which signify harmony and wholeness.

How does the play 'Macbeth' reflect King James' views on witchcraft?

The play reflects King James' views by including witches and suggesting their potential supernatural powers, despite creating ambiguity about their role, which may align with James' obsession with witches and his writings in 'Demonology.'

What is the ambiguity in the portrayal of the witches in 'Macbeth'?

The ambiguity lies in whether the witches are simply mischievous or possess supernatural powers, as well as whether the apparitions and hallucinations are real or figments of Macbeth's imagination.

How does Shakespeare use the concept of the supernatural in 'Macbeth'?

Shakespeare uses the supernatural through the presence of witches, apparitions, and hallucinations, leaving it to interpretation whether these elements are real or psychological manifestations of Macbeth's guilt and ambition.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Historical and Political Context of Macbeth

This paragraph sets the stage for understanding 'Macbeth' by providing historical context. It discusses the reign of King James I, who was both King of Scotland and later King of England, and the political instability that preceded his rule due to unclear lineage and civil wars. The paragraph also touches on the real-life Macbeth, who was a just king, contrasting with Shakespeare's portrayal. It highlights the influence of King James on Shakespeare's work, including the possibility that the play was commissioned by the king himself. The societal control by the church and the concept of divine right of kings are also mentioned, suggesting that 'Macbeth' could be seen as propaganda to uphold the social order. The paragraph concludes with references to the Gunpowder Plot and the persecution of Catholics, hinting at potential religious ambiguities in the play.

05:03

🔮 Supernatural Elements and Symbolism in Macbeth

The second paragraph delves into the supernatural aspects of 'Macbeth' and the role of the witches, exploring different interpretations of their powers and influence on Macbeth's actions. It discusses the ambiguity of the apparitions and hallucinations that Macbeth experiences, suggesting that they might be products of his own mind. The paragraph also examines the significance of the number three in the play, which is associated with harmony and wholeness in Christianity, and how Shakespeare uses it to create ambiguity, possibly as an antithesis to religious symbolism. The witches' predictions, the use of three apparitions, and the three murder scenes are highlighted as key elements that contribute to the play's thematic depth. The summary concludes with a mention of Macbeth's soliloquy reflecting on the meaninglessness of time following his wife's death, providing a poignant note on the tragedy's impact.

Keywords

💡Macbeth

Macbeth is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, central to the video's theme of exploring the historical and political context of the play. The script discusses how the real historical figures and events influenced Shakespeare's narrative, such as the portrayal of King Duncan and the character Macbeth himself, who was a real king of Scotland but depicted as a tyrant in the play.

💡Context

Context is vital for understanding the relationship between texts and the circumstances in which they were created, as emphasized in the script. It is highlighted that knowing the 'when, where, why, how, and who' behind a work can deepen the comprehension of its themes and messages, particularly in relation to 'Macbeth' and the political climate of the time.

💡James I

James I, also known as James VI of Scotland, is a key figure in the script's exploration of 'Macbeth'. He became king of both England and Scotland after Elizabeth I's death, and his lineage and interests are suggested to have influenced Shakespeare's portrayal of characters and themes in the play, including the emphasis on the divine right of kings.

💡Divine Right of Kings

The divine right of kings is a political and religious doctrine of royal and political legitimacy asserting that a monarch is subject to no earthly authority, deriving mandate and authority directly from the will of God. The script mentions this concept as a part of the social order that King James wanted to reinforce, and it is reflected in the play 'Macbeth' as a commentary on the consequences of disrupting this order.

💡Gunpowder Plot

The Gunpowder Plot of 1605, an attempt to blow up King James and the Parliament, is mentioned in the script as a significant event that influenced the atmosphere in which 'Macbeth' was written. The plot and its aftermath are suggested to have heightened fears of treachery and reinforced the play's themes of loyalty and the consequences of betrayal.

💡Witches

Witches play a significant role in 'Macbeth', and their portrayal in the script is analyzed in the context of King James' obsession with witchcraft, stemming from his personal experiences and writings on the subject. The ambiguity of the witches' supernatural powers in the play is discussed, reflecting the complex societal attitudes towards witchcraft at the time.

💡Ambiguity

Ambiguity in the script refers to the deliberate uncertainty or multiple interpretations in 'Macbeth', particularly regarding the role of the witches and the nature of Macbeth's visions. This artistic choice by Shakespeare is suggested to be a way to navigate the religious and political tensions of the era while engaging the audience's imagination.

💡Catholicism

Catholicism is discussed in the script as a religious and political force during the time of 'Macbeth'. The script mentions the persecution of Catholics, including the Gunpowder Plot conspirators, and speculates on Shakespeare's possible Catholic sympathies, which may be reflected in the play's nuanced treatment of religious themes.

💡Feudalism

Feudalism is a social and political system prevalent during Shakespeare's time, characterized by the relationship between a lord and his vassals. The script touches on feudalism as part of the social order that 'Macbeth' reflects and critiques, particularly in the context of loyalty, power, and the consequences of disrupting this system.

💡Number Three

The number three is highlighted in the script as a recurring motif in 'Macbeth', with significant symbolic meaning in Christianity, such as the Holy Trinity. The script explores the use of the number three in the play, such as the three witches and three apparitions, as a possible attempt by Shakespeare to create thematic ambiguity and religious subtext.

💡Propaganda

Propaganda in the script refers to the idea that 'Macbeth' could be seen as a form of political persuasion, intended to support the established order and warn against the chaos that could result from disrupting it. The play's depiction of the consequences of regicide and the portrayal of traitors may have been designed to align with the interests of King James.

Highlights

Context is important for understanding the relationship between texts and their creation.

James I was made King of England and Scotland due to Elizabeth's lack of an heir and his lineage to Mary, Queen of Scots.

Raphael Holinshed's chronicles depicted King Duncan as not a good ruler, contrasting with historical accounts.

The real Macbeth was a fair and just king, unlike his portrayal in Shakespeare's play.

Banquo was historically an ally of Macbeth but was depicted as a good character in the play, possibly due to his relation to James I.

Shakespeare's company became known as the King's Men under royal patronage, influencing the content of his plays to please the king.

Society during Shakespeare's time was heavily influenced by the Church, feudalism, and the divine right of kings.

The play 'Macbeth' may have been used as propaganda to show the consequences of disrupting the social order.

The Gunpowder Plot of 1605, an attempt to kill James I, influenced the portrayal of traitors in 'Macbeth'.

Shakespeare's family may have had Catholic sympathies, reflected in the ambiguity of religious themes in his plays.

The persecution of non-believers and witches during the reigns of Henry VIII, Queen Mary, and Elizabeth I influenced 'Macbeth'.

James I's personal experiences and beliefs about witches, including his book 'Demonology', may have influenced the portrayal of witches in 'Macbeth'.

The ambiguity in 'Macbeth' regarding the witches' powers and Macbeth's hallucinations leaves room for various interpretations.

The number three, significant in Christianity, is used repeatedly in 'Macbeth', possibly to create thematic ambiguity.

Macbeth's soliloquy 'Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow' reflects the futility of life after the loss of meaning.

The video aims to provide useful context for students preparing for exams on 'Macbeth', even though some exam boards do not assess context.

Transcripts

welcome to tutoring with gavin this

video provides some important context

around

william shakespeare's macbeth for the

aqa

ed excel and ocr exam board but it may

still be useful for those sitting the

educast

exam even though it doesn't assess

context

in the shakespeare question the reason

context is important is because one of

the assessment objectives

that the examiners use to grade you ask

that you show

understanding of the relationship

between texts and the context in which

they were written

the more we know about when where

why how and who created a story or poem

the more we can understand it james was

king of scotland during elizabeth's

reign

and when she died he was made king of

england and scotland

because elizabeth had no children and

james was the son of mary

queen of scots a cousin of elizabeth the

lineage

was therefore not as clear as they would

have liked and in the past

this had led to civil war among families

who believed they had the right

to the throne according to chronicles of

england scotland and ireland

by raphael hollingshead in 1577

duncan was not a good king and his

defeat by macbeth

in battle led to stability in scotland

for 17 years between

10 40 and 10 57

high five james was descended from

duncan

ironically the real macbeth was

apparently a fair

and just king and even felt secure

enough

to go on a pilgrimage to rome

historically banquo was an ally of

macbeth

but because he was also related to james

shakespeare may have decided to put him

on the side of good in the play

shakespeare's company the lord

chamberlain's men came under royal

patronage

and was subsequently known as the king's

men the king could close shakespeare's

company down or even have shakespeare

arrested if he didn't please him

so there would have been pressure to

placate king james

the idea for the play may have even come

from james

during shakespeare's lifetime society

was controlled by the church

and crown feudalism and the divine right

of kings were part of the social order

and king james wanted the public to

believe that if this order of things was

disrupted

it would cause chaos the play therefore

could be seen as a piece of propaganda

you are fake news showing what happens

to traitors

who try to kill a king in 1605 a year

before the play was written there was a

foiled attempt to blow up james in the

house of lords

during the state opening of parliament

guy fawkes and a group of catholic

conspirators

almost wiped out the entire english

establishment

in an attempt to reinstate catholicism

as the state religion

guy fawkes and his group were captured

tortured

and executed the heads placed on spikes

on traitor's gate on london bridge

as an example to others who might be

thinking of trying to kill

james there is some speculation that

shakespeare's family had catholic

sympathies

which may be why all of his plays have

some ambiguity when it comes to religion

in macbeth the porter's drunken rant in

act 2

scene 3 repeats the word equivocator

which was used by the jesuit priest

henry garnett hanged in may 1606 for his

part in the gunpowder plot

here's an equivalent case

who committed treason enough for god's

sake

yes could not equivocate

to heaven equivocator at that time

became a term describing double talking

in order to hide one's true beliefs

shakespeare's double talk could have

been a clever way to avoid accusations

of having catholic sentiments the church

played a major role in shakespeare's

world

persecuting those who did not believe in

the teachings of the church

some non-believers were burned alive

more than 80 were burned at the stake

during henry viii

reign nearly 300 were burned alive in

just

three years by his daughter queen mary

or bloody mary as she was also known

and six were killed during elizabeth 45

year reign

under james scotland and england saw two

and a half

thousand executions of so-called witches

which clearly influenced shakespeare to

include them

in his scottish story but he does seem

to create enough ambiguity about the

role of witches

to show that he was not completely

convinced they were a threat

james believed that witches had been

responsible for a storm that had

almost sunk a ship on which he'd been

traveling to denmark with his wife in

1589.

this trip to denmark triggered his

obsession with witches

james later wrote a booklet called

demonology

in which he talked about witches

extensively he personally supervised the

torture of many women

suspected of witchcraft an important

line in the players when macbeth

approaches the witches

they say by the pricking of my thumbs

something wicked this way comes

it is possible to see macbeth as evil

and the witches are simply mischievous

but many interpretations of the play

have focused on the witches having

supernatural powers

in act 3 scene 4 the ghost of bancro is

sometimes shown

but sometimes invisible suggesting that

he could simply be in the mind of

macbeth

which of you have done this what my good

lord

thou canst not say that i did it

his highness is not well likewise in act

2 scene 1

the floating dagger is only visible if a

director wishes to suggest the presence

of a supernatural otherwise it again

implies that macbeth is hallucinating

is this a dagger which i see before me

the handle toward my hand

come let me clutch thee

[Music]

i have thee not and yet i see these

still

but they're not fatal visions sensible

to feeling

as to sight

[Music]

or a thou but

a dagger of the mind another important

piece of context is how shakespeare uses

the number three

several times in the play which is a

very important number in the bible it

signifies harmony

and wholeness the holy trinity the three

apostles

and three archangels are all sacred to

christians so why are there three

witches

is this antithesis an attempt by

shakespeare to create ambiguity

the three witches addressed macbeth by

three titles in their first prediction

[Music]

macbeth nailed to these things

macbeth hail to the santa clara

[Music]

all hail macbeth shall be king here

after

then at the start of act four scene one

the witches are gathered around the

cauldron

christ the blinded cast have mute

the thrice and once

the hedge pig wind

how do you cry this time

the third time that the number three is

used is when the witches are conjuring

up

three apparitions macbeth macbeth

macbeth there are three murderers and

three murder scenes

of duncan banquo and macduff's family

and when the porter speaks to macduff

he tells him drink sir he's a great

provoker of three things

then there is macbeth's famous solidique

in acts five scene five

after hearing of his wife's sudden death

he says tomorrow

and tomorrow

and tomorrow

which signifies the meaningless of every

day to come here after

i hope this video has been useful in

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