Macbeth Context

Shakespeare’s Time Period 

Early 17th century (Jacobean era), focus on divine right of kings, superstition, and political intrigue.

Divine Right of Kings 

Monarchs are chosen by God; regicide violates natu ral order, causing chaos.

Gunpowder Plot (1605) 

Attempted assassination of King James I; reflects fear of treason and disorder in society.

Role of Women 

Expected to be submissive; Lady Macbeth challenges gender norms and asserts power.

Belief in Witches 

Superstition common; witches symbolize chaos, evil, and supernatural influence.

Kingship Theme 

Good kings (Duncan, Malcolm) maintain order; tyrants (Macbeth) disrupt society.

Ambition Theme 

Drives characters to murder, moral corruption, and psychological breakdown.

Fate vs Free Will 

Witches’ prophecies influence choices; Macbeth interprets but still acts freely.

Appearance vs Reality 

Deception dominates; “fair is foul” and characters hide true intentions.

Violence and Corruption 

Murder and tyranny lead to disorder and moral decay.

Supernatural Influence 

Prophecies, visions, and witches’ spells drive action.

Guilt and Conscience 

Characters suffer psychologically after immoral acts (Macbeth, Lady Macbeth).

Loyalty and Betrayal 

Betrayal (Macbeth vs Duncan) contrasts with loyalty (Banquo, Macduff).

Masculinity 

Courage, aggression, and manipulation; Lady Macbeth challenges gendered ideas of strength.

Scottish Setting 

Castles, forests, and moors reflect dark, foreboding atmosphere.

Tragic Hero Concept 

Macbeth as a classical tragic hero with fatal flaw (ambition).

Political Context 

Jacobean audiences wary of treason, regicide, and unstable succession.

Moral Order 

Crime against king upsets natural and social order.

Symbolism of Blood 

Guilt, murder, and treachery.

Foils in the Play 

Banquo vs Macbeth; Duncan vs Macbeth; Lady Macbeth vs Lady Macduff.