Macbeth 6 Play origins, performance and reception history

When is it thought that Macbeth was first performed?

(a)  

When was Macbeth first published?

(a)  

What was one of Shakespeare's historical sources for the story of 'Macbeth'?

• Holinshed's Chronicles (1587) includes an account of the lives of Macbeth, Macduff and Duncan

• Holby's Chronicles (1687) includes an account of the lives of Macbeth, Macduff and Duncan.

What genre of play is Macbeth?

• A tragedy with elements of a comedy

• A history with elements of a comedy

• A tragedy with elements of a history

• A history with elements of a tragedy

Why do some people call Macbeth 'the Scottish play'?

• Some people in the theatre world think that the play is cursed and will not say its name out loud.

• Some people refer to the history and setting of the play.

Who was the real Macbeth?

• A king who ruled Scotland for 1 year from 1040. Unlike Shakepseare's Macbeth, the real MAcbeth succeeded to the throne after he killed Duncan in battle. His reign included many battles.

• A king who ruled Scotland for 17 years from 1040. Unlike Shakespeare's Macbeth, the real Macbeth succeeded to the throne after Duncan was killed in battle and he had a mostly peaceful reign.

Why was 'Macbeth' written?

• It was a tribute to King James I, the new King of England.

• It was to commerate King James 1, after he died.

Which elements of 'Macbeth' would have appealed to James I?

• Witchcraft: he wrote Daemonologie and was interested in magic.

  Lineage: James believed he was a descendant of Banquo

• Ambition: James I was an ambitious King

  Allusions: Allusions to the bible

Aside from Banquo, which of the following do not contain ghosts in Shakespeare's plays?

• Hamlet

• Julius Caesar

• Richard III

• Romeo and Juliet

Which Shakespearean play does not explore the idea that human wickedness is reflected in turmoil in the natural world (i.e. storms to reflect tragedy)?

• King Lear

• Julius Caesar

• Much Ado about Nothing