Macbeth Notes

Macbeth

Shakespearean Drama:

1. Extensively developed characters
2. Borrowed from other sources: Macbeth comes from Holinshed’s Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
3. Shakespeare uses Aristotle’s unities:
Time, place, action





Dramatic Structure:

Act I – Exposition, exciting force (starts the action
Act II – Rising action
Act III – Climax – plot makes a definitive change
Act IV – Falling action
Act V-Moment of final suspense when protagonist feels he will not be defeated, then catastrophe, and denouement (unraveling of plot details).


Style Elements:

Notice use of nemesis( an opponent who cannot be beaten or overcome)– making the punishment fit the crime
In Greek mythology, nemesis refers to the goddess of retribution, justice, or vengeance.


Shakespeare’s style:

Includes all classes of people, presents information realistically
Fine character portrayal
Universal themes
Supernatural= prophecy


Classic Tragic Character:

A man who is greatly admired in his powers and opportunities
Actions involve the well being of others in his society
The play’s plot will show him working to achieve a goal that is very dear to him
His actions involve choices.
Character (continued):
His tragedy is brought about by an error in judgment that sets off a chain of circumstances he did not or could not foresee and cannot be halted.
His destiny’s danger may be the result of enemies, or a supernatural force.
As the tragedy ends, he is bitter, burned out, and desparate.

The Supernatural in Macbeth:

Witches:
Foretell the future, appear at unusual times in the text

Ghosts:

Images of frightful prophecy or imaginings of the mind of someone who is distressed.
Interpretation of the aforementioned is complex and not always helpful to characters.

Themes:
Appearance vs. reality
Power corrupts

Motifs (recurring images):
Weaponry
Blood
Storms
(Make a list of others as we read the play).