Context Flashcards
(18 cards)
Who was the king during the writing of Macbeth?
King James I
James I succeeded to the English throne in 1603 after being King of Scotland.
What is a significant theme in Macbeth related to King James I’s lineage?
Witches’ prophecy about Banquo founding a line of kings
This reflects James’ family’s claim to descend from the historical Banquo.
What does the Divine Right of Kings entail?
Kings derive power from God, not subjects
Treasonous activity is considered a crime against God.
Why was the Divine Right of Kings supported in England?
To avoid civil unrest following the Wars of the Roses
This belief provided stability after a period of disorder.
Define patriarchy in the context of society.
Societies where men dominate and inheritance passes through male heirs
Patriarchal structures often limit women’s rights and roles.
How do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s gender characteristics change throughout the play?
They switch between masculine and feminine characteristics
Gender is linked to ambition and the willingness to achieve power.
What were the expected behaviors of women in the context of the play?
Obey men, be faithful, respectful, non-violent, and religious
Women were seen as possessions, first of their fathers and then of their husbands.
How does Lady Macbeth challenge societal expectations?
She manipulates Macbeth to achieve her ambitions
This subversion highlights the limitations placed on women in her society.
True or False: Women in Macbeth were expected to be dominant and assertive.
False
Women were expected to be quiet, reserved, and obedient.
Fill in the blank: The idea that kings received their power from God is known as the _______.
Divine Right of Kings
What happens to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden?
Adam and Eve live peacefully until Eve is tempted by the serpent and eats the forbidden fruit. She convinces Adam to eat as well, leading to their curse and banishment to Earth.
What role does the serpent play in the story of Adam and Eve?
The serpent tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, which ultimately leads to the downfall of Adam and Eve.
How was witchcraft perceived in Shakespeare’s time?
Witchcraft was used to explain natural disasters due to a lack of scientific knowledge, leading to the torture and execution of many women accused of being witches.
What significant act was passed in 1563 regarding witchcraft?
The act allowed for the prosecution of witches and remained part of English law until 1951.
How did the belief in witches affect the audience’s perception of Macbeth?
Many people believed in witches during the 1600s, making the weird sisters in Macbeth seem believable and frightening.
What is the structure of Macbeth as a tragedy?
Macbeth follows a typical tragedy structure with the first part building up to Duncan’s murder and the second part dealing with the consequences, leading to the main character’s downfall.
What are the tragic conventions followed in Macbeth?
Macbeth’s climax ends in catastrophe involving the main character’s death, caused by their own flaws (hamartia), while having relatable qualities that make the audience care.
What historical events inspired the character of Macbeth?
Macbeth is loosely based on true events in 11th Century feudal Scotland, known to King James, who was related to characters Banquo and Fleance.
