11th Century Scotland

What period of Scottish history is the play set in ?

Medival period

What textual source inspired Shakespeare’s Macbeth ?

Holinshed’s Chronicles

What year does this source date to ?

1587

What was the purpose of this source ?

To preserve the knowledge of the parental linage of the throne of Scotland

Was ascension to the throne an hereditary affair ?

The King chose who succeeds him

What characters of Macbeth were taken from the chronicles ?

• Macbeth

• Banquo

• Macduff

What role did violence play in Medival Scottish culture ?

It was a time of conflict as the land was torn apart by division caused in an ongoing power struggle between noble families vying for the crown.

How is this culture reflected in the play ?

The bloodlust and brutality is reflected in characters such as Macbeth within his actions in battle against the Norwegian King and later in his tyranny.

What beliefs were held about witches in medieval Scotland ?

• they feared the witches ability to make prophecies and affect the outcome of the future

• They have a relationship with the devil

• They pose a threat to social stability