Questions and Answers
For whom did Shakespeare write the play? Who had he been prior to this?
Shakespeare wrote the play for James I, England's new king, who had been king of Scotland.
How did this influence the setting, characters, and tone of the play?
To please James, Shakespeare set the play in Scotland, used many characters who were James' ancestors, and included witches.
Why is the play Shakespeare's shortest tragedy?
Maybe because King James often fell asleep during performances.
What is Shakespeare's source for the story of Macbeth? How accurate is the play historically?
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Give background on the succession issue that placed James I on the throne.
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What was Elizabeth's relationship to Mary Queen of Scots?
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Why did Elizabeth choose James? Why was this a good choice?
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In what ways was Macbeth a tribute to James I?
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How did Shakespeare appeal to Elizabethan sensibilities in the play?
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How did Shakespeare deal with history in terms of battles, Duncan, Banquo, Lady Macbeth, and Macduff? What were his sources?
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This play opens in medias res. Define and explain.
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What two battles are taking place in the opening?
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Four points re setting?
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Please interpret the quote: 'Some rise by sin, others by virtue fall.'
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What facts are known about Shakespeare's birth, baptism, and place of birth?
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Whom did he marry? How many children? How many years passed before we hear of him again?
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When was Shakespeare first noted in the London theatre scene? How old was he?
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Which theatre company performed his works? What else did he do besides write?
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Why did the company change its name? How was this of financial benefit to Shakespeare?
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What happened in the final years of his career?
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How many plays and sonnets did he write? Are all the plays tragedies?
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Why do you think Shakespeare is considered to be the best writer in the English language?
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Study Notes
Shakespeare's Macbeth
- Written for James I, the new King of England, who had previously ruled Scotland.
- The setting, characters, and tone were influenced by James I; the play is set in Scotland and features nobles from James's ancestry, along with witches, a subject of interest to James.
Play Characteristics
- Macbeth is Shakespeare's shortest tragedy, possibly to accommodate King James's tendency to fall asleep during performances.
- The historical accuracy of Macbeth's story is derived from "The History and Chronicles of Scotland" (1526) but includes dramatized elements.
Succession and Political Context
- Elizabeth I had no named successor, choosing James VI of Scotland as heir. He became James I of England following her death in 1603.
- Elizabeth I played a pivotal role in the death of her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, leading to political implications for her succession choice.
- James was selected to ease Elizabeth's final days, as he was the son of Mary’s.
Tribute to James I
- Macbeth serves as a tribute, unifying England and Scotland under one monarch, celebrating James's ascension to the throne.
Appeal to Elizabethan Sensibilities
- Written during King James's reign, the play reflects the interests and themes appealing to the Elizabethan audience.
Historical Representation
- Banquo is depicted as equally guilty as Macbeth in historical accounts; Shakespeare portrays him more favorably to honor King James.
- Utilized "Holinshed's Chronicles" for historical reference, embedding the narrative in rich historical context.
Setting and Context
- Opens in media res with battles: a civil war against Macdonwald's rebels and a national war against Norway led by King Sweno.
- The time frame is the eleventh century; King Duncan is the King of Scotland, with Edward the Confessor reigning in England.
Notable Quotes
- "Some rise by sin, others by virtue fall" reflects the paradox of morality and success.
Shakespeare's Biography
- Born in Stratford, baptized in 1564. He married Anne Hathaway in 1582 and had three children, disappearing from public records for seven years, termed as Shakespeare's "lost years."
- He emerged in the London theater scene by 1592 at around 30 years old.
Theatre Company
- His works were performed by Lord Chamberlain's company, later renamed The King's Men, benefiting financially through publication.
Later Career
- In his final years, Shakespeare's works began to see publication, and his name started appearing on title pages.
Works and Legacy
- Authored 38 plays and 154 sonnets; not all plays are tragedies.
- Shakespeare is often regarded as the best writer in the English language, a reflection of his profound impact on literature and drama.
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Description
Explore the intricacies of Shakespeare's play 'Macbeth', written for King James I and set in Scotland. This quiz covers the historical context, play characteristics, and political implications surrounding its creation. Test your knowledge on the elements that shaped this short yet powerful tragedy.
