Probably composed in late 1606 or early 1607, Macbeth is the last of Shakespeare's four great tragedies, the others being Hamlet, King Lear and Othello. It is a relatively short play without a major subplot, and it is considered by many scholars to be Shakespeare's darkest work. Lear is an utter tragedy in which the natural world is amorally indifferent toward mankind, but in Macbeth, Shakespeare adds a supernatural dimension that purposively conspires against Macbeth and his kingdom. It holds a great amount of importance even today.
Scottish king James came and took over the throne of England in 1603. This happened after years of conspiracies against the former ruler and Monarch, Queen Elizabeth. This change of Monarch marked the ending of the Elizabethan period and the start of Jacobean era.
During Shakespeares time the Monarch held huge levels of importance. They were considered as Gods embodiment on Earth. Any major decision had to be approved by the Monarch to be acted upon. They had to be pleased and flattered to make them carry out favours.
James 1 had great interests in supernatural activities, especially witchcraft. In 1597, James felt sufficiently knowledgeable about witchcraft and wrote the book Demonology. This was an eighty page book that expounded his view on the topic and it aroused debates on witchcraft all around Europe.
This drama is one of the great tragedy themed plays by William Shakespeare. The themes illustrated in the play include ambition, fate, deception and treachery. Three witches decide to confront the great Scottish general Macbeth on his victorious return from a war between Scotland and Norway. The Scottish king, Duncan, decides that he will confer the title of the traitorous Cawdor on the heroic Macbeth. Macbeth and another General called Banquo, happen upon the three witches. The witches predict that he will one day become king. He decides that he will murder Duncan. Macbeth's wife agrees to his plan. He then murders Duncan assisted by his wife who smears the blood of Duncan on the daggers of the sleeping guards. A nobleman called Macduff discovers the body. Macbeth kills the guards insisting that their daggers smeared with Duncan's blood are proof that they committed the murder. The crown passes to Macbeth. More murders ensue and the bloodied ghost of Banquo appears to Macbeth. Lady Macbeth's conscience now begins to torture her and she imagines that she can see her hands covered with blood. She commits suicide. Macduff kills Macbeth and becomes king.
Shakespeare was able to write this as it included witchcraft, one of the great interests of the Monarch. This play portrays Banquo as a great heroic character. Banquo was one of the ancestors of James 1. Keeping these in view James allowed Shakespeare to publish this play.
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