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Macbeth Historical Context (Macbeth Myth (1040-57) (Macbeth killed his…
Macbeth Historical Context
Macbeth Myth (1040-57)
Macbeth killed his predecessor Duncan I. He was killed by his successor, Duncan's son, Malcolm III
before law of primogeniture
common practice in Scottish monarchy
Duncan was usurper, Macbeth the vindicator of the true line of succession
Started to be believed that Duncan was rightful heir, making Macbeth a usurper
When Stewarts came to Scottish throne, they needed indigenous Scottish ancestry
mythical genealogy invented
Mythical founder called Banquo who was murdered by Macbeth
As Stewart, James I was his supposed descendent. Banquo is depicted as brave & conscientious
His mythical son, Fleance, fled to Wales, where the Stewarts came from.
Shakespeare compresses 17 years into 10 weeks
James I
Became King of England, uniting Scotland & England
Play anticipates this (Macbeth is overthrown by Scottish & English alliance
Theatre
Chamberlain's Men
taken into his service, becoming the
King's Men
Took keen interest in drama, Shakespeare's plays were frequently played to him
James I & Witchcraft
Daemonologie
(1597)
witches wielded hellish powers & should be ruthlessly extirpated
demonic possession
Marriage
James I's return to Scotland after marriage was delayed by storms at sea
Witches blamed for bad weather
Earl of Bothwell said to have conspired with such witches in hope that James would drown.
Witches in 17C
Year after James' coronation, Parliament extended range of punishments for activities associated with witchcraft
Many women denounced as witches, suffered torments & killed
James recognised that witchcraft strengthened principle of divine right of kings
existence of a devil who had an interest in opposing the monarch
Divine Right of Kings
Play written one year after
Gunpowder Plot
James I believed in
absolute monarchy
defying that is never justified, even against a usurper king
Macbeth
associated with supernatural evil & unnatural corruption
His enemies associated with supernatural virtue & restoration of 'natural' order.