Last class, I made four main points about Macbeth as an introduction. The homework for next class is to bring post-its and read the first short scene of the play.
1) Macbeth is Shakespeare's shortest play, and is a very popular trajedy.
Universal appeal--contemporary morality play--it warns us of the dangers of becoming involved with evil.
2) Language: Nobles speak in blank verse (imabic pentameter)
Peasants and servants speak in prose.
3) James I had a big influence on Macbeth as the play was written for him. Shakespeare mentions things in the play to please James I and doesn't mention the things that might have angered him. 5 of the virtuous characters in the play are related to James I.
4) Witchcraft: the audience would have believed in heaven and hell, in evil spirits, and in witchcraft. They would have likely seen witches hanged or burned at the stake at that time.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment