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MACBETH CONTEXT - Coggle Diagram
MACBETH CONTEXT
WITCHCRAFT
King James 1 had a great interest in witchcraft and the supernatural, he rote a book called 'Daemonologie' (1597). Many practices within the play agreed with the beliefs of King James.
James' book was aimed to justify the death penalty for witchcraft and make those who didn't believe want to pursue witch hunts.
Evidence of James Misogynistic views in his book as he refers to women as the 'weaker sex' so they are the only ones that could be trapped by the 'snares' of evil.
Parallels in the tragedy between the witches and the three fates in greek mythology (in charge of the destinies of mortals and spun the weave of human lives). Similarly Hecate was the goddess of witchcraft in greek mythology.
Starts with the words of the witches and ends with blood and carnage. By creating discord and confusing the line of succession only evil and bloodshed came to be. Which is a warning to the english that witchcraft is treason and sin against God. King James: "high treason against god'
Could be argued that Lady M is the fourth witch as she is obsessed with passion power and ambition. Women in power at that time were attacked and accused of witchcraft.
JACOBEAN ERA
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King James Life was a Scottish tragedy itself, His mum was executed by Elizabeth 1st and his dad assassinated. When he took the throne he made an alliance with Elizabeth 1st that he would be her successor.
There was a strong interest in humanism. This is a concern for humanity and the assertion of reason rather than religious faith. Macbeth spurns humanity and we see the kind of dilemmas that everyone faces played out in dramatic form.
RELIGION
Jacobean England was protestant since James 1st was. Adherents to other religions or denominations were treated cruelly-often killed.
Religious allusion = Similarities between Adam and Eve and lord and lady Macbeth as they both persuaded their other to sin. Their ambition and thirst for power led to their demise.
It has been long debated theologically whether suffering is required for forgiveness. It can be argued that Macbeth sin is beyond forgiveness hence the suicide of Lady Macbeth.
GREAT CHAIN OF BEING
Idealogical belief that the universe in which everything had a place according to its importance in spiritual nature. It explains why the sin of regicide is so punishable.
According to it Macbeths actions distort the natural being and audience of the universe, setting off the chaos and bloodshed.
DIVINE RIGHTS OF KINGS
Belief that god had specifically chosen monarchs to rule so an attempt to kill them is not just a worldly sin but a sin against god.
Considering this, the tragic consequences for Lady M and Macbeth are because they committed not only a carnal sin but a sin against god for which the punishment is eternal damnation.