8. Notes: King James Influence on the play Flashcards
(11 cards)
When did Shakespeare write Macbeth?
1606
Macbeth was written to entertain King James I of England.
Who was the king of England when Macbeth was first performed?
King James I
The play was first performed to entertain him.
What significant event occurred with Elizabeth I’s death?
She died without an heir
Her sister Mary’s son became king of England.
Where was Macbeth first performed?
Hampton Court
This was where King James I lived.
What did Duncan announce in Macbeth?
Malcolm will become his heir
This reflects King James’s wish to pass on titles and lands to a male heir.
What was King James I’s interest in relation to Macbeth?
Witch-hunting and the supernatural
He strongly believed that witches existed.
How did society view witch-hunting during the time of Macbeth?
As an activity for intelligent people
It was a serious belief that witches existed.
What does Shakespeare demonstrate about the supernatural in Macbeth?
How dangerous the supernatural can be
The play shows the consequences of engaging with the supernatural.
What belief did society hold regarding God and the king?
God ruled heaven and earth; the king ruled by God’s appointment
Working with the supernatural was against God’s wishes.
What was the consequence of working with the supernatural according to the beliefs of the time?
It could only bring evil and tragedy
This belief is reflected in the themes of Macbeth.
What did King James I acknowledge about Shakespeare’s work?
His clever inclusion of his favorite subject
This subject was witch-hunting and the supernatural.
