Shakespeare, William: 1564-1616

Macbeth, 1606 - Information about the Book

  • General Information
    • Good for Discussing:
      Corrupting Effects of Ambition
      Tension Between Fate and Free Will
      Psychological Consequences of Guilt and Moral Compromise
    • "Macbeth" tells the story of a Scottish general whose ambition, spurred by prophecy and his wife's urging, drives him to murder and tyranny, ultimately leading to his downfall. See Summary.
    • Information from Wikipedia
    • Information from StageAgent
  • Facts
    • The play was likely written in 1606. It is clearly associated with the reigning monarch, James I, who was also the patron of Shakespeare's company, the King's Men.
    • Macbeth means "son of life" (beatha is the Gaelic word for life).
    • Analysis of the play

    • Ambition and Power
      The insatiable pursuit of ambition and the corrupting influence of power are central themes in "Macbeth." Macbeth's ambition, fueled by the witches' prophecies and Lady Macbeth's manipulation, drives him to commit regicide and embark on a path of violence and tyranny. His unchecked ambition ultimately leads to his downfall, illustrating the destructive consequences of unbridled power.

      The Supernatural
      The supernatural elements, primarily represented by the witches and their prophecies, play a significant role in the play. The witches' enigmatic predictions set in motion a chain of events that blur the lines between fate and free will, raising questions about the nature of destiny and the role of the divine in human affairs.

      Appearance vs. Reality
      Shakespeare explores the theme of deception and the contrast between appearance and reality throughout the play. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth must maintain a facade of innocence and loyalty while concealing their treacherous acts. The play also delves into the inability of characters to perceive situations as they truly are, further emphasizing the dichotomy between appearance and reality.

      Guilt and Remorse
      The theme of guilt and its psychological toll is prominent in "Macbeth." Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth experience intense guilt and remorse for their actions, manifesting in hallucinations, sleepwalking, and eventual madness. Their guilt prevents them from fully enjoying the power they craved, highlighting the moral consequences of their deeds.

      Gender Roles and Masculinity
      Shakespeare challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations of masculinity in "Macbeth." Lady Macbeth's ambition and cruelty defy the norms of feminine behavior, while Macbeth's hesitation and emotional vulnerability contrast with the prevailing notions of masculinity. The play explores the complexities of gender and the redefinition of true manhood.

      These themes, along with others such as the corrupting nature of power, the consequences of disrupting the natural order, and the role of fate and free will, contribute to the enduring relevance and depth of "Macbeth."


    • Elizabethan and Jacobean audiences were familiar with and entertained by tales of ambition, treachery, and the supernatural. The inclusion of witches, prophecies, and supernatural elements would have fascinated and captivated them.

      The play's portrayal of the disastrous consequences of regicide and the unlawful seizure of power would have aligned with King James's views, likely making the play favorable to the monarchy.

      The early 17th century was a period of intense religious belief and superstition. The depiction of witches and their malevolent influence would have been both believable and terrifying to the contemporary audience.

      Shakespeare's use of poetic language, soliloquies, and the exploration of psychological depth in characters like Macbeth and Lady Macbeth would have been appreciated by the audience. These elements aligned with the evolving tastes in theater that favored complex characters and intricate plots.

      While specific records of audience reactions from 1606 are scarce, the play’s immediate popularity and enduring status suggest it was well-received.

      In summary, "Macbeth" in 1606 would have been perceived as a gripping and thought-provoking tragedy that addressed contemporary concerns about power, legitimacy, and the supernatural, while also showcasing Shakespeare's dramatic and poetic talents.

    • Reader Rating:
  • Articles
    • Why should you read "Macbeth"?: "The video gives a clear and engaging overview and why it’s worth reading, covering key themes like ambition, fate, and the play’s historical/theatrical relevance in a concise way."
    • Shakespeare Wrote Three of His Famous Tragedies During Turbulent Times: 'King Lear,' 'Macbeth' and 'Antony and Cleopatra': "The article gives some informative context about Macbeth by linking its themes to the historical backdrop of 1606—particularly the Gunpowder Plot and the plague—but it doesn’t deeply analyze the play." Biography; Aug 21, 2024
    • Who or what makes happen the things that happen in Macbeth? Emma Smith: University of Oxford
    • Bibliography of Macbeth Criticism: "This is a useful annotated bibliography listing many scholarly works on Macbeth and grading them."
  • Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
    • Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
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    • Macbeth's Relationship with Lady Macbeth
    • Psychology and character development. An essay analyzing the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
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    • Freud on the Macbeths by Sigmund Freud, 1916
  • Macbeth
  • Lady Macbeth
    • The character of Lady Macbeth
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    • Unsex Me Here
    • Explanatory Notes for Lady Macbeth's Soliloquy: after the text.
    • Is Lady Macbeth's Swoon Real?

    • 2015 Justin Kurzel Macbeth with Marianne Cottilard
      1948 version of Orson Welles starring Janet Nolan,
      1971 version from Roman Polanski with with Francesa Annis (later to be the partner of Ralph Fiennes)
      1960 Macbeth with Maurice Evans and Judith Anderson
      1970 videotaped production of the RSC Macbeth directed by Trevor Nunn, starring Judi Dench and Ian McKellan
  • Duncan
  • The Three Witches
  • Malcom
  • Macduff
  • The Curse
  • Commentary
    • William Shakespeare’s "Macbeth" is a tragic exploration of ambition, morality, and the consequences of unchecked desires. The play follows Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman, who encounters three witches prophesying his rise to kingship. Initially a loyal and valiant soldier, Macbeth succumbs to ambition, spurred by the witches’ prophecy and his wife’s manipulation. This leads him to murder King Duncan and seize the throne, setting off a chain of violence and paranoia that ultimately destroys him and Lady Macbeth.

      Key themes include the corrupting influence of ambition, the tension between appearance and reality, and the role of supernatural forces. The witches’ cryptic prophecies manipulate Macbeth, while Lady Macbeth’s relentless ambition drives her to madness. Their moral decay mirrors the chaos in nature, symbolizing the disruption of order.

      Ultimately, Macbeth’s downfall comes at the hands of Macduff, fulfilling the witches’ twisted prophecy. The play serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of unchecked ambition and moral compromise.

  • General Explanations
    • Exploring rhetorical devices in the final soliloquy in Act V, Scene v.
    • Audio (17:59)
      David Hare discusses a speech by Macbeth in Act 5, Scene 3. BBC; April 20, 2023
    • Play Analysis: “Macbeth” is a classic tragedy in which the protagonist embarks on a dark path of betrayal and bloodshed that leads to his ruin and death. Although Macbeth is eventually killed for his misdeeds, he remains an extraordinary tragic protagonist.
    • Professor William Carroll examines the portrayal of royal succession in Shakespeare's Macbeth in light of the succession of King James I of England. Boston University
    • Macbeth Introduction
  • Podcasts:
    • The brutal world where few boundaries are distinct
      "The podcast offers a deep, expert-led discussion of Shakespeare’s tragedy, unpacking key themes, characters, and historical context with academic insight."
    • The play been called "the great Shakespearean play of stage superstition and uncanniness."
      "The podcast offers some historical context and thematic overview of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, but it’s more of a general literary discussion than a deep academic analysis of the play’s language."
    • Who or what makes happen the things that happen in Macbeth?
      "The podcast is an academic-style lecture that discusses aspects of Macbeth (e.g., agency and key themes) but isn’t a broad, fully detailed critical analysis of the whole play."
    • The play has some of the most memorable scenes in all of theatre: the witches chanting over their cauldron, the ghost of murdered Banquo haunting Macbeth at the banquet, Lady Macbeth sleepwalking and wringing her bloodless hands, and finally the avenging army approaching camouflaged by the branches of Birnam Wood. December 1, 2021
      "The podcast offers a solid thematic and character-based discussion of Macbeth with Professor Emma Smith, Oxford University."