UNIT 9: WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: MACBETH I
Q.1. Write a note on the life of William Shakespeare.
Answer– William Shakespeare, born in 1564, was an acclaimed playwright and poet from England. He was the eldest child of John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. Shakespeare received his education at a local grammar school and later married Anne Hathaway. They had three children together. Shakespeare began his career as an actor and eventually joined the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, which became the leading theater company in London.
Shakespeare’s plays, including “Romeo and Juliet,” “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” and “Othello,” gained immense popularity and were performed at the Globe Theatre. His works explored various themes and emotions, captivating audiences with his poetic language. In 1610, Shakespeare retired and returned to Stratford-upon-Avon. He continued writing and remained connected to the theater world until his death in 1616.
Aside from his plays, Shakespeare also wrote poems, such as “Venus and Adonis” and “The Rape of Lucrece,” as well as a collection of sonnets. His sonnets expressed themes of love, beauty, and friendship. Shakespeare’s plays can be categorized into comedies, tragedies, histories, and problem plays. His comedies featured strong female characters, while his tragedies delved into profound emotions and flaws. He also wrote plays based on Roman figures and created works with rich and diverse subject matter.
William Shakespeare’s legacy endures today, with his works being celebrated and performed worldwide. His contributions to literature and the theater make him one of the greatest playwrights in history.
Q.2. How did Macbeth react to the three prophecies of the witches?
Answer– Macbeth’s reaction to the three prophecies of the witches in Shakespeare’s play can be described as a combination of curiosity, fascination, and a growing ambition. Initially, he is taken aback and captivated by the witches’ prophetic words, especially when they foretell his future as the Thane of Cawdor and the future King of Scotland. As the prophecies begin to materialize, Macbeth’s ambition takes hold of him, and he becomes consumed by a craving for power. The prophecies act as a catalyst, igniting his ruthless and murderous actions as he strives to fulfill the witches’ predictions and secure his position as the king. Macbeth’s initial reaction to the prophecies ultimately leads him down a path of moral decay and tragic consequences.
Q.3. Discuss the background of the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare.
Answer– “Macbeth” is a tragic play written by William Shakespeare. It was first performed in 1606 at the Globe Theatre but was not published until 1623. Shakespeare may have taken the story idea from a play by Thomas Middleton. The play was shown to King James I, who was thought to be a descendant of the real Banquo, a character in the play. Shakespeare’s main goal in writing “Macbeth” was to explore the dangers of ambition in a monarchy.
The play is based on the real-life story of Macbeth, a Scottish king from the 11th century, as recorded in Holinshed’s Chronicles. It follows Macbeth and his friend Banquo, who meet three witches that predict Macbeth’s rise to power and Banquo’s descendants becoming kings. The play discusses themes of ambition, betrayal, and killing a king.
The performance was important politically since it was shown to King James I, who had Scottish ancestry and was interested in supernatural elements and kingship. “Macbeth” resonated with the king and reflected his ideas about good leadership and the qualities of an ideal ruler. The play’s popularity is evident in its continued performances and adaptations worldwide. This shows that Shakespeare’s themes are timeless and appeal to people from different times and places.
Q.4. Discuss the literary works of William Shakespeare.
Answer– William Shakespeare is a famous writer known for his plays, poems, and sonnets. He wrote two long poems called “Venus and Adonis” and “The Rape of Lucrece” at the beginning of his career. His collection of 154 sonnets is divided into two groups. The first group expresses friendship and love for a “fair youth,” while the second group celebrates love, beauty, and overcoming time and death, addressed to a “Dark Lady.”
Shakespeare’s plays include different types. His comedies, like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Twelfth Night,” are funny and have mistaken identities and romantic complications. His tragedies, such as “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” and “Romeo and Juliet,” are intense and explore strong emotions, fatal flaws, and the results of choices. He also wrote historical plays like “Julius Caesar” and “Henry V,” taking inspiration from real historical events and people.
An important thing about Shakespeare’s plays is how he portrayed historical characters. He mixed real historical figures with fictional ones, creating a unique style. His plays tackle complex themes of power, politics, and human nature, showing the strengths and weaknesses of his characters.
Towards the end of his career, Shakespeare wrote “problem plays” like “Measure for Measure” and “Troilus and Cressida.” These plays present a cynical and disappointed view of life, highlighting the darker parts of society. He also wrote the four great tragedies— “Hamlet,” “Othello,” “Macbeth,” and “King Lear”—featuring the main characters with tragic flaws that lead to their downfall.
Shakespeare also explored Roman history in plays like “Julius Caesar” and “Antony and Cleopatra,” drawing inspiration from Plutarch’s Lives. His final plays, including “The Winter’s Tale,” “Cymbeline,” and “The Tempest,” show a diverse style and explore various themes while maintaining Shakespeare’s unique way of telling stories.
Q.5. Write a few lines on William Shakespeare’s origins.
Answer- William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. He was the eldest child of John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. His father was a tradesman, and his mother came from a higher social standing. Shakespeare received his education at a local grammar school, where he developed his love for literature and language.
Q.6. Briefly describe the famous Globe Theatre.
Answer- The Globe Theatre was a famous theater in London where many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed. It was open-air and had a polygonal shape with a thatched roof. The stage was in the center, and the audience surrounded it on all sides. The theater could hold thousands of people, and it had minimal scenery and props. The Globe Theatre was a vibrant and popular place for entertainment during Shakespeare’s time.
Q.7. What were the themes that emerged in the first and second group of sonnets?
Answer- The first group of Shakespeare’s sonnets explores themes of love, beauty, and the passage of time. They often address a “fair youth” who is the object of the poet’s affection. The second group of sonnets, known as the Dark Lady sonnets, delves into themes of lust, infidelity, and the complexities of romantic relationships. These sonnets revolve around the poet’s intense and often troubled relationship with a mysterious woman referred to as the Dark Lady.
Q.8. What was Shakespeare’s remarkable innovation while dealing with historical figures in his plays?
Answer- Shakespeare’s remarkable innovation when dealing with historical figures in his plays was his ability to humanize them. Instead of presenting them as mere historical figures, he infused them with complex emotions, motivations, and flaws. Shakespeare delved into their psychological depths and explored the moral dilemmas they faced. By humanizing historical characters, Shakespeare made them relatable and brought them to life on the stage.
Q.9. Name the last two plays by Shakespeare during his literary journey.
Answer- The last two plays that William Shakespeare wrote by himself were The Tempest and The Two Noble Kinsmen. The Tempest was written in 1611, and The Two Noble Kinsmen was written in 1613.
Q.10. When was the tragedy Macbeth written? From whom did Shakespeare borrow the subject of the play?
Answer- The tragedy “Macbeth” was written by William Shakespeare. It is believed to have been written around 1606. It is believed that Shakespeare borrowed the subject of the play “Macbeth” from a play written by Thomas Middleton.
Q.11. When was Macbeth first performed or staged?
Answer- “Macbeth” was first performed or staged in 1606 at the Globe Theatre in London.
Q.12. Why was the play politically significant?
Answer- The play “Macbeth” was politically significant because it was performed in front of King James I, who was interested in supernatural elements and kingship. The play resonated with the king, who had Scottish roots and saw himself as a descendant of the real Banquo, a character in the play. “Macbeth” explores themes of ambition, treason, and regicide, which were relevant to James’s own concerns about power and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Q.13. What are the essential qualities of a King as described in the last act of Macbeth? Did Macbeth possess these qualities?
Answer- In the last act of “Macbeth,” the essential qualities of a king are described as justice, verity (truthfulness), temperance (self-control), stableness (stability), bounty (generosity), perseverance, mercy, lowliness (humility), devotion, patience, courage, and fortitude. Macbeth, the tragic protagonist, possesses none of these qualities. His greatest vice is his unchecked ambition and his insatiable thirst for power, which leads to his downfall and tragic end.