William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
While there is much debate about the true identity of the author "William Shakespeare", one truth remains: William Shakespeare's legacy spans across centuries, generations, and countries.
The Writer:
As a prolific writer of his time, William Shakespeare authored many plays and sonnets of many genres. In response to the popularity of his plays, Shakespeare became a household name for both nobility and commoners alike. While many of his plays were performed for the general population at The Globe Theater, some were only performed in front of royalty, like “Macbeth”.
Considering his audience, “Macbeth” was originally set to be performed within an enclosed space. The need for private consumption worked to Shakespeare’s advantage. By creating a “play [that] feels like a chamber piece” (“Macbeth Performance History”), the playwright has set the atmosphere for a dark piece that delves into the darker side of human nature.
“Macbeth” also explores the effects of supernatural influence. Within the play, there are witches, ghosts, and apparitions that appear before one or more of the characters at important junctions of the story. As markers for important plot changes, it begs readers to question the extent of the supernatural on the lives of man. What determines the path of one’s life: fate, or our own decisions?
In addition to the elements of the supernatural and the darkness of human nature, Shakespeare spins a thrilling story that weaves together mystery and intrigue through the use many rhetorical devices that strike up the imagination, propelling the story forward.
As a prolific writer of his time, William Shakespeare authored many plays and sonnets of many genres. In response to the popularity of his plays, Shakespeare became a household name for both nobility and commoners alike. While many of his plays were performed for the general population at The Globe Theater, some were only performed in front of royalty, like “Macbeth”.
Considering his audience, “Macbeth” was originally set to be performed within an enclosed space. The need for private consumption worked to Shakespeare’s advantage. By creating a “play [that] feels like a chamber piece” (“Macbeth Performance History”), the playwright has set the atmosphere for a dark piece that delves into the darker side of human nature.
“Macbeth” also explores the effects of supernatural influence. Within the play, there are witches, ghosts, and apparitions that appear before one or more of the characters at important junctions of the story. As markers for important plot changes, it begs readers to question the extent of the supernatural on the lives of man. What determines the path of one’s life: fate, or our own decisions?
In addition to the elements of the supernatural and the darkness of human nature, Shakespeare spins a thrilling story that weaves together mystery and intrigue through the use many rhetorical devices that strike up the imagination, propelling the story forward.
The Play:
“Macbeth” is an historical play that tells the tale of a well-loved cousin and soldier of the king, Macbeth. However, after learning that he is destined to become king, good Macbeth begins to morph into a man who is capable of dark deeds to achieve his destiny. Other characters we meet in "Macbeth" are: Lady Macbeth, Banquo, Fleance, Duncan, Donalbain, Macolm, and Macduff.
This historical play also plays with the idea of the supernatural element. In addition to apparitions (that we have seen in other Shakespearean plays), Shakespeare also includes the Weird Sisters. These witches appear in pivotal moments in the play to allow the main character to see into his destiny, or to confirm them. While their visions are usually cryptic and contain a double-meaning, these Sisters are not a force to mess with. They are the superior entities in this tale, not the king.
“Macbeth” is an historical play that tells the tale of a well-loved cousin and soldier of the king, Macbeth. However, after learning that he is destined to become king, good Macbeth begins to morph into a man who is capable of dark deeds to achieve his destiny. Other characters we meet in "Macbeth" are: Lady Macbeth, Banquo, Fleance, Duncan, Donalbain, Macolm, and Macduff.
This historical play also plays with the idea of the supernatural element. In addition to apparitions (that we have seen in other Shakespearean plays), Shakespeare also includes the Weird Sisters. These witches appear in pivotal moments in the play to allow the main character to see into his destiny, or to confirm them. While their visions are usually cryptic and contain a double-meaning, these Sisters are not a force to mess with. They are the superior entities in this tale, not the king.