Overview of Shakespeare's "Macbeth"

Introduction

• "Macbeth" is considered one of Shakespeare's stranger plays.
• Opens with Scottish generals Macbeth and Banquo encountering witches.
• Prophecies foretell Macbeth becoming king and Banquo’s descendants on the throne.

Plot Summary

• Macbeth fulfills the prophecy by murdering King Duncan and his general.
• Engulfed in paranoia, he seeks further prophecies from the witches.
• Predicted he'll be safe until a distant forest attacks his castle.
• Ultimately, his stronghold is overtaken by an army masquerading as trees; Malcolm reclaims the throne.

Historical Context

• Based on historical events from the 11th century.
• In 1040, a general named Macbethad killed King Duncan to become the king of Scotland.
• In 1057, Duncan’s son, Malcolm Canmore, led a successful raid against Macbethad.

Historical Narratives

• Middle Ages historians blended storytelling with historical facts.
• Evolving narratives over centuries featured witches, prophecies, and camouflage armies.

Key Texts and Authors

1. John of Fordun (1380)

   • Wrote during conflicts with England and a plague.
   • Aimed to inspire Scottish pride, vilifying Macbethad as a disruptor.

2. Andrew of Wyntoun

   • Painted Macbeth as the devil’s offspring.
   • Introduced occult elements and the rebel army’s camouflage.

3. Hector Boece

   • Portrayed Macbeth with some sympathy as a just ruler turned paranoid.
   • Cautionary towards tyranny, possibly critiquing kings like Henry VIII or Francis I.

Influence on Shakespeare

• Likely influenced by Boece’s narrative.
• Shakespeare wrote during King James I's reign—a descendant of the Stuarts, related to Banquo.
• Shakespeare may have increased Banquo's role to flatter King James.

Witchcraft and Politics

• King James was against witchcraft; Shakespeare included exaggerated supernatural elements.
• Possible rebellion against censorship of other plays by using witches.

Themes and Interpretation

• Shakespeare's Macbeth presents moral and existential quandaries.
• Questions explore the nature of power, fate, reality, and self-determination.
• Reflects Shakespeare’s engagement with dynamic historical narratives.

Conclusion

• "Macbeth" reflects the traditions of rewriting history and examining one's role within it.
• Despite its oddities, it provides deep insights into human nature and historical interpretation.