Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

• "The Tragedie of Macbeth" is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been first performed in 1606.
• The play dramatizes the physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power.
• It is Shakespeare's shortest tragedy and reflects his relationship with King James, patron of Shakespeare's acting company.

Publication

• The play was first published in the Folio of 1623, possibly from a prompt book.
• The publication was done by Edward Blount and William Jaggard in London, England.

Plot

• The play is set in Scotland and England and revolves around a brave Scottish general named Macbeth.
• Macbeth receives a prophecy from three witches that he will become King of Scotland, which is driven by his ambition and spurred by his wife.
• He murders King Duncan and takes the Scottish throne, but is then plagued by guilt and paranoia, leading to more murders and tyranny.

Sources

• Shakespeare's source for the story is the account of Macbeth, King of Scotland, Macduff, and Duncan in Holinshed's Chronicles (1587).

Themes and Motifs

• The play explores the themes of superstition, ambition, and the consequences of seeking power.

Performance History

• The play has been associated with a supposed curse, with some believing it is bad luck to mention the title aloud, instead referring to it as "The Scottish Play".
• The play has attracted renowned actors to the roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth and has been adapted to various forms of media.

Characters

• Main characters include Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, King Duncan, Macduff, and the three witches.