Macbeth CA Session 1

Introduction

• S presents play’s protagonist, M, as complex character torn between fear + courage

• Fear evident through his hesitation, anxiety, moral struggle (esp. when contemplating D’s murder)

• But courage shown through bravery on battlefield, ambition, determination to secure power even when it requires morally corrupt deeds.

• Set in 11th-century Scotland, but written c.1606 during Jacobean era when King James I on throne.

Introduction: influences

• KJ had keen interest in supernatural (Daemonologie), which influenced depiction of three witches + their role in heightening his fear/reckless courage.

• Jacobean society: strong belief in Great Chain of Being, a structure of all things in which king held highest position; also Divine Right of Kings, which presented monarchs as chosen by God ∴ sacred.

  • So M’s courage to commit regicide regardless would be shocking & impactful on aud.

• Drew on Holinshed’s Chronicles for historical inspiration but exaggerated his struggle to create cautionary tale against ambition & rebellion.

  • Reinforced loyalty to KJ in aftermath of G. Plot.

• Gender roles & Jacobean attitudes to women: LM subverts expectations of female obedience, exploiting masculine stereotypes of courage to manipulate M.

Overall these influences significantly shape S’s presentation of M as both fearful & courageous throughout the play.

“A camp near the battlefield / Alarum within.”

• In exposition, S uses dramatic method of staging → aud about to witness acts of fear & courage.

• Stage direction establishes violent/chaotic setting → sense of tension and urgency

• Conveys that world of play is ruled by violence, preparing aud for plot driven by both fear & courage.

• Jacobean audience (valued military strength and honour) would anticipate displays of heroic courage as well as fear that naturally comes with war

“For brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name”

• Macbeth’s battlefield courage reinforced through captain’s aside

• Direct character testimony shows Macbeth earned reputation through actions in battle

• Complimentary adjective “brave” immediately presents him as courageous figure

• Captain’s authoritative tone/rank makes praise seems credible

• Aud will view Macbeth as honourable/heroic warrior, establishing courage from the start

“O valiant cousin! Worthy gentleman!”

• Positive affirmations continue in King Duncan’s exclamatory statement

• Powerful complimentary adjectives stress king’s admiration, emphasising Macbeth’s courage and honour in battle

• Royal praise highly significant; king = top of Great Chain of Being, rare sign of respect

• Shows Macbeth already holds position of honour and is valued by king → Shakespeare elevates Macbeth, presenting him as soldier whose courage earns genuine royal favour

“unseamed him from the nave to the chops”

• Brutal imagery vividly shows fearless determination in battle → willing to do whatever it takes for his country

• Jacobean audience will admire loyalty and patriotism, reinforcing Macbeth’s authentic courage and fearlessness on battlefield.

“Go pronounce his present death / And with his former title greet Macbeth”

• Duncan appoints Macbeth Thane of Cawdor → direct reward for courage

• Rhyming couplet emphasises courage earns status and respect

• Dramatic use of rhyme to convey his bravery being recognised and celebrated, making Macbeth’s later reckless ambition more impactful

“What he hath lost, Macbeth hath won”

• Juxtaposition of punishment & reward highlights Divine Right of Kings / monarchial absolutism

• Duncan has power to give and take titles at will, emphasising high stakes/consequences of attempted treason

• Shows aud Macbeth’s later courage in killing Duncan demonstrates not just greed but willingness to risk everything, increasing dramatic tension