MACBETH Context Guide & Plot Summary GCSE English Literature
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Course
English
Institution
GCSE
3 SIDES OF A4
This resource contains the cultural and historical context of Macbeth, as well as a separate document detailing the entire plot from start to finish, in a succinct pdf. It is intended to be a SUMMARY, perfect for saving time during a busy revision period. The context page separates t...
MACBETH
C O N T E X T
HISTORICAL CONTEXT LITERARY CONTEXT SOCIAL CONTEXT
A comprehensive understanding of King James I William Shakespeare is perhaps the most Perhaps one of the most shocking things
ascension to the English throne will put famous play-right of all time. about Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' is the subversion
Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' into meaningful context. Shakespeare wrote the play 'Macbeth' 3 of gender roles. Whilst Lady Macbeth is the
As an unmarried queen, Queen Elizabeth I died years after James I of England (& most poignant example with this, it starts
childless in 1603. Before she died, Elizabeth James VI of Scotland) became the King with the witches, who are extremely powerful
appointed her successor as James VI of of England. Shakespeare earned James' beings in the play, dictating to the men and
Scotland, establishing the Stuart dynasty with favour, evidence by James granting being the author, as well as the beings who
such appointment. James was the son of Mary members of the Shakespeare's company deconstruct Macbeth's fate. Lady Macbeth is
Queen of Scots, who had been beheaded, as a the title of King's Men. In Macbeth, there in constant pursuit for control. She questions
Catholic woman who conspired against Elizabeth are some clear nods to James I. The fact Macbeth's manhood when he does not
to depose her, Therefore, James' reign was that Macbeth dies because of his immediately align himself with her plan to kill
filled with deep insecurity and fear of political interference with Banquo's descendants Banquo. She asks evil spirits to 'unsex' her,
opposition. This is perhaps why James' belief in divine right to rule Scotland must have allowing her to carry herself as a murderous
the divine right of kings, which asserted that pleased James I, who was imparting his man would. In Jacobean England, unmarried
God had chosen him to be the King of theory of divine right in England at the women were the property of their fathers,
England, was so strong. time. Additionally, the running theme of and later became property of their husbands
The gunpowder plot was a failed attempt by black magic and witchcraft was another after they married. They could not own their
catholics to assasinate James I during the nod to James I, who had published the own property, and were expected to be
opening of Parliament in 1605. book Daemonologie (1597) about submissive to their husband and have a
witchcraft, as a strong believer in it nurturing motherly nature.
himself.
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