Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Macbeth: Context - History (Loosely based on a real moment and real people…
Macbeth: Context - History
Written in 1606
Queen Elizabeth had died and there was no obvious heir to the throne.
James IV of Scotland was the next suitable heir.
Great-great grandson of Henry VII.
If James became king, it would unite Scotland and England.
By taking the throne, he became King James 1st of England.
New ruler, with different sets of values to appeal to.
The play was clearly designed to appeal to King James.
Witches
were taken very seriously.
Severe weather, upset stomach or crop failure, could lead to accusations of witchcraft.
Very little proof was needed to confirm witchcraft.
King James was very interested in this topic.
He had published a book on witchcraft.
Captured the interest of the King and his court.
James came to power in a very divided period of British history.
Henry VIII converted nation to Protestantism. This put England at odds with the rest of Catholic Europe.
This new religion oppressed Catholics.
Led to violent protests and rebellions.
Catholic conspirators plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. This plot failed in 1605, led to public executions.
Connections to the play, which was first recorded in 1606.
Both show the tragic, miserable downfall of anybody who conspires to commit regicide (murder of a king).
Loosely based on a real moment and real people. Set in around 1040-1057.
Mac Bethad was the King of the Scots in 1040-1057.
Violent period in history.
Scotland became stable and prosperous, under his rule.
Not how Macbeth was portrayed in the play.
Macbeth killed Duncan, but on the battlefield. Duncan was invading Macbeth's territory and Banquo played a part.
Lady Macbeth - Gruoch, was a real historical figure.
Was married before, and gave birth to a son.
Given a negative portrayal in the play.
King James 1st, was thought to be descended from Banquo.
Fleance does't appear to have existed at all.