Context: what was happening when/around the time the text was written?

(1606)
Patriarchal Society Gunpowder Plot The Divine Right of Kings Witches and the Supernatural
The play is set in a Patriarchal society; a society A religious hierarchy where everything on earth was King James I was obsessed with magic and
where women were expected to be subservient to
King James I was the intended victim of Guy
awarded a ‘rank’ / status. God was at the top, witchcraft and ordered several witch-hunts
men. A woman was expected to obey her father / Fawkes’ Gunpowder plot. This made him followed by angels, humans, animals and plants etc
husband and was presumed to be physically and nervous of future regicide attempts. during his reign as King, even producing a
A Jacobean audience believed that if this hierarchy book on witchcraft called Daemonologie
mentally weaker than a man. However, Shakespeare Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ would have been was interfered with (i.e. a human tried to ‘jump up’
subverts these traditional gender roles in the popular with King James because it shows that the ranks to the status of angels or God) then the (‘the Science of Demons’). In 1542, fifty
relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth; a natural order would be thrown into chaos. years before Shakespeare wrote Macbeth,
relationship where we observe a strong female
those who commit regicide are greatly King Henry VIII passed the first English
punished / mentally tortured. The message of Shakespeare shows this on the night of the regicide
character command, instruct and manipulate her when there is a violent storm. Macbeth’s attempt to Witchcraft Act, which officially made the
husband. Many women who subverted expected Shakespeare’s play acts as a deterrent to climb the ‘Chain of Being’ disturbs the natural world. practice of witchcraft punishable by death.
gender roles or conventions at the time were anyone thinking of committing regicide.
accused of being witches.

Act Plot Key Characters

Macbeth A captain in Duncan's army, later the Thane (Lord) of Glamis and Cawdor. When
Act 1 The play opens with three witches chanting on a bleak moorland. In the next scene we hear a battle report in which a
soldier Macbeth bravely fought in a battle to defend Scotland. On a bleak Scottish moorland, Macbeth and Banquo, two
Three Witches predict that he will one day be king of Scotland, he takes his fate
into his own hands, allowing his ambition and that of his wife’s to overcome his
of King Duncan's generals, discover three strange women (witches). The witches prophesy that Macbeth will be
promoted twice: to Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland. Banquo's descendants will be kings, but Banquo isn't
better judgement. His bloody reign culminates in a battle against Malcolm and the
promised any kingdom himself. Macbeth and Banquo want to know more, but the "weird sisters" disappear. Soon English forces. Macbeth is the epitome of a tragic hero. He represents the dangers
afterwards, King Duncan names Macbeth Thane of Cawdor as a reward for his success in the recent battles. The of overstepping your position in life.
promotion seems to support the prophecy. The King then proposes to make a brief visit that night to Macbeth's castle.
Lady Macbeth receives news from her husband about the prophecy and his new title. She vows to help him become king Lady Macbeth’s wife whose ambition helps to drive her husband toward the desperate
Macbeth act of regicide. Subsequently, her husband's tyranny and her own guilt recoil upon
by whatever means are necessary...
her, sending her into a madness from which she never recovers and leads to her
suicide. Shakespeare demonstrates how a powerful, ambitious and ruthless
character cannot escape the consequences of their own actions. Defies gender
expectations of women at the time.

Act 2 Macbeth returns to his castle, followed almost immediately by King Duncan. The Macbeths plot together to kill Duncan Banquo Macbeth’s close friend and ally who also receives predictions from the witches. His
and wait until everyone is asleep. At the agreed time, Lady Macbeth gives the guards drugged wine so Macbeth can enter response however, is more cautious than Macbeth’s. The prediction, that Banquo’s
and kill the King. He regrets this almost immediately, but his wife reassures him. She leaves the bloody daggers by the child will become king, is sufficient to spell Banquo’s death, ordered by an
dead king just before Macduff arrives. When Macduff discovers the murder, Macbeth kills the drunken guards in a show increasingly resentful and paranoid Macbeth. The vision of Banquo’s ghost later
of rage and retribution. Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee, fearing for their own lives; but they are, haunts Macbeth. He represents rationality and reason in contrast to Macbeth.
nevertheless, blamed for the murder.

Macduff The Thane of Fife. He is loyal to Duncan and becomes suspicious of Macbeth early
on in the play. He leaves Scotland to join Malcolm in England. The witches warn
Macbeth to “Beware Macduff” prompting Macbeth to have Macduff’s family
Act 3 Macbeth becomes King of Scotland but is plagued by feelings of insecurity. He remembers the prophecy that Banquo's
descendants will inherit the throne and arranges for Banquo and his son Fleance to be killed. In the darkness, Banquo is killed. Macduff’s role is vital as his killing of Macbeth allows the Natural Order to
murdered, but his son escapes the assassins. At his state banquet that night, Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo and be restored. He remains the noble hero throughout and serves as a contrast to
worries the courtiers with his mad response. Lady Macbeth dismisses the court and unsuccessfully tries to calm her Macbeth.
husband.
King King of Scotland. His victories against rebellious kinsmen and the Norwegians have
Duncan made him a popular king. When Macbeth initially decides not to kill the king, he
gives Duncan’s many qualities as his reasons. He names his eldest son—Malcolm—
as his heir. He dies at the hands of Macbeth and therefore the Chain of Being or
Act 4 Macbeth seeks out the witches who say that he will be safe until a local wood, Birnam Wood, marches into battle against
him. He also need not fear anyone born of woman. They also prophesy that the Scottish succession will still come from Natural Order is disrupted. Too trusting—his trust in the original Thane of Cawdor
Banquo's son. Macbeth embarks on a reign of terror, slaughtering many, including Macduff's family. Macduff had gone to was betrayed—as was his trust in Macbeth.
seek Malcolm (one of Duncan's sons who fled) at the court of the English king. Malcolm is young and unsure of himself,
but Macduff, pained with grief, persuades him to lead an army against Macbeth. Malcolm Duncan’s rightful heir. He leaves for England after his father’s murder and enlists
the support of the English king and English lords. He is shown as being noble and
deserving of the throne. Malcolm is the embodiment of all that is good in kingship,
and this is seen particularly in Act 4, Scene 3, in which he tests the allegiance of
Act 5 Macbeth feels safe in his remote castle at Dunsinane until he is told that Birnam Wood is moving towards him. Malcolm's Macduff. His restoration to the Scottish throne is essential for the Chain of
army is carrying branches from the forest as camouflage for their assault on Macbeth's stronghold. Meanwhile, an Being/Natural Order to be restored.
overwrought and guilty Lady Macbeth walks in her sleep and tells her secrets to her doctor. She commits suicide. As the
final battle commences, Macbeth hears of Lady Macbeth's suicide. In the midst of a losing battle, Macduff challenges The The witches directly influence the actions of Macbeth. He did not have to act on
Macbeth. Macbeth learns Macduff is the child of a caesarean birth (loophole!), realises he is doomed, and submits to his Witches their prophecies, but when he did, his death was sealed. This conflict between
enemy. Macduff triumphs and brings the head of the traitor Macbeth to Malcolm. Malcolm declares peace and goes to man and the supernatural runs throughout the play. The witches represent the
Scone to be crowned king. dangers of the supernatural.
 Literature Definition Themes Ideas
Devices
Symbolism When an object or person represents an idea that is Ambition Despite being a loyal and brave soldier at the beginning of the play, Macbeth can not resist the power of his ambition
much deeper and more significant. (his fatal flaw). Lady Macbeth’s ambition also knows no bounds. Both characters are willing to disobey God to fulfil
their ambitions. But consider where ambition leads these characters...
Imperative A sentence that is a command.

Repetition When a word/ phrase is noticeably repeated

Appearance and Reality Shakespeare introduces this theme immediately when the Witches chant ‘Fair is foul and foul is fair’ in the very first
scene. This is a play where people’s outward appearances cannot be trusted. What might initially appear good, often
throughout a text.
turns out to be evil...
Foil A character that exaggerates the opposing qualities of
another character.
Guilt Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are plagued by guilt after the regicide. As a result of this, the mental stability of both
Protagonist/ The main character/ the person who opposes the main characters suffers a dramatic decline. Lady Macbeth grossly underestimates the power of guilt and is made to pay for
this with her life. In the play the motif of blood represents guilt.
Year 9 : Macbeth

Antagonist character in a literary play or book.

The place or type of surroundings where something

Setting
is positioned or where an event takes place.
Power The battle for power can be seen throughout the play. Arguably, some of the most powerful characters are female:
Lady Macbeth and the Witches. Both forces are able to manipulate the play’s protagonist: Macbeth. However, the
Pathos: A quality that creates pity or sadness. power of God cannot be ignored. Are Macbeth and Lady Macbeth punished for committing regicide (a sin against
God)?
Characterisati The creation or construction and description of a Chaos and Disorder At the beginning of the play, everything is in order. However, when Divine Right is challenged, with the murder of King
on: fictional character. James, the balance of The Great Chain of Being is offset. The play’s events that succeed the regicide are marked by
chaos and disorder, be it the mental state of the play’s protagonists: Macbeth and Lady Macbeth; the state of Scotland
Narrative or the weather / nature. Order is only restored at the very end of the play when the King is returned to its rightful
The point of view from which the story is told. owner: Malcolm (the eldest son of Duncan).
Perspective:
Morality The intention is that audiences will be shocked by the immorality that underpins the choices made by some of the
Monologue A speech given by one actor characters, highlighting the right and wrong behind the characters’ decisions.
Duologue A speech shared by two actors
Colloquial Everyday language (for example, slang or patterns of
speech)
Useful phrases for analysis TIEF ACTIVITIES – Pick an extract and answer this question in an analysis
Beat A stage direction that indicates a short pause (beat) of paragraph
silence
Ensemble The entire cast of the play (the group) • Shakespeare presents… / shows… / hints... / creates… / 1. Explore how Shakespeare presents ambition in Macbeth in this extract.
False start When a speaker begins to talk, then stops, corrects 2. Starting with this moment in the play, explore how Shakespeare presents
uses ... the attitudes of Macbeth and Banquo towards the supernatural.
themselves and continues. Through the character of… Shakespeare shows / explores /
• 3. Starting with this speech, explore how far Shakespeare presents Macbeth as
Idioms A commonly used expression that does not equal the questions... a violent character.
literal translation of the words. Shakespeare challenges the belief that... 4. Starting with this speech, explore how far Shakespeare presents Lady
• Macbeth as a powerful character.
Juxtaposition When two contrasting ideas are placed next to each • Shakespeare asks his reader to question / consider... 5. Starting with this speech, explore how Shakespeare presents the differences
other. Shakespeare reinforces this idea earlier / later in the play
• between appearance and reality in Macbeth.
Graphic Detailed/ specific images that relate usually to when… Shakespeare sends a clear message to his
imagery something unpleasant. audience...
Euphemism When something harsh is referred to in a less
damaging way.
Writers’ Methods In the play Narrative Form and Genre
Use of soliloquy/aside notice when Macbeth starts using asides and what this might suggest about his changing character The play is a Shakespearean tragedy. Tragedies usually adhere to a set of
(e.g when he starts having dangerous thoughts!) Soliloquies are often used when characters have a conventions:
decision to make. It shows characters in turmoil. Usually by the end they have made a decision. The play centres around a tragic hero. Usually he is male, usually with high status at
Pathetic Fallacy consider how the weather is highlighted by Shakespeare at key points in the play and how the the start of the play and some moral virtues. Through a combination of the
weather reflects the mood. E.g the play opens with ‘thunder and lightning’ -Shakespeare character’s fatal flaw (their hamartia) and the intervention of fate, the character is
immediately sets an ominous mood. Think about the night of the murder and the weather/reaction set off on a path of self-destruction from which they cannot escape.
of the earth to the murder. They may have a moment of realisation in which they realise their mistake, but it is
Symbolism/Motif when an object is used to represent a deeper more significant meaning. E.g. blood as a symbol of too late to turn back. The play ends with their death, and then the natural order is
guilt in the play. Another important symbol is sleep (or lack of) - references to sleep and restored.
sleeplessness reveal the deterioration of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s turmoil too.
Audiences were meant to feel a sense of catharsis—that is, they could experience
Dramatic Irony when the audience knows something that one or more characters do not eg. We know Duncan the intense emotions of the plot without making the same mistakes as the
shouldn’t trust Macbeth. We also witness Macbeth lie to Banquo about the witches when he says protagonist. It might be useful to think about where in the plot of Macbeth these
“consider it not so deeply” and we’ve just seen him “consider it deeply!” stages above occur and how Shakespeare portrays the various stages of Macbeth’s
Contrasting Imagery Heaven/hell light/dark good/evil occurs throughout the play. Notice what these images suggest eg. downfall.
Evil is sometimes shown through dark imagery.