Macbeth: Historical Context, Themes, and Plot Analysis
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Macbeth by William Shakespeare
1. Introduction
- Written: 1605.
- Plot: Macbeth overthrows the rightful King of Scotland.
- Historical Context: Elizabeth I ruled England for 45 years during the Elizabethan era. Following her, James I became King of England and Scotland; Shakespeare wrote Macbeth at the beginning of his reign.
2. The Historical Reality
- Real King: Macbeth was a real King of Scotland who reigned from 1040–1057.
- Success: His historical reign was considered successful.
- Duncan: He did kill King Duncan, but the real Macbeth had a legitimate claim to the throne.
- Death: The real Macbeth was a strong leader killed in Lumphanan, not Dunsinane.
3. Tragedy and Literary Devices
- Atmosphere: Shakespeare uses a sinister mood, setting most of the play at night