Macbeth Background Webquest

Stage itself

"Earth"

Top signs

"Heaven"

Underneath

"Hell"

What was the theater considered?

"the nest of the devil"

When did the original Macbeth reign?

1041-1057

What was Shakespeare's middle period?

1595 to 1605

In what year was the Gunpowder Plot?

1605

In what year was Macbeth written?

1606

What was the result of the Gunpowder Plot?

A letter was delivered warning of the plot, the gunpowder was found, and everyone involved was executed.

Who was Shakespeare married to?

Anne Hathaway

Explain the Divine Right of Kings

Belief that monarchy power was given by god

Shakespeare's first 15 of his 37 plays were written by what year?

By 1597

Why is it called "the Globe" theater?

Comes from the expression "everyone in the world is an actor".

In what year did Shakespeare change his companies name? What did he change it to?

He changed his companies name to 'The Kings Men' in 1603 when King James became patron.

What else did Shakespeare write besides plays?

He wrote 154 sonnets

When did Shakespeare die?

His death will forever remain a mystery but most scholars believed he died on his birthday - (around April 23, 1616).

Based on the visuals, in 'Shakespeare Unlocked' what do you think the creators intend to say about Shakespeare's plays? How do you know?

I think the creators intended to show the difference in Shakespeare's stories and how they can be visually perceived. They use a lot of old style and looks, such as swords, riding horses, and fashion.

How does the shape of the Globe affect the experience of a play?

It would increase audience participation.

Why do Shakespeare's plays sound like the King James Bible?

King James was very religious and he was also obsessed with witchcraft so he wanted King James approval

Who was Shakespeare's formed boss?

One of Queen Elizabeth's lords.

How and why did Shakespeare change the role of Banquo in the play from the "historical" Banquo?

Shakespeare presents Banquo as wise and noble as a way to respect King James. He did this because before he was just a mythical character

Where is Shakespeare from?

Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom

What did James' book Basilikon Doron say about the theme of kingship?

That kingship is someone who does their duty to and for God

Macbeth was written in which period?

The "middle period"

What was the Gunpowder Plot?

The Gunpowder Plot was a failed assassination attempt against King James I of England by the Catholics due to his distaste in Catholicism. They planned on exploding 36 barrels of gunpowder to kill the king, his wife, and his children.

Explain the influence of Puritans on Shakespeare's plays.

The Puritans believed that acting in plays or pretending to be someone you're not was sacrilegious so they were always trying to shut down the theaters

Explain the Chain of Being.

The belief that God made an ordered system for nature and humans.

Why was theater something for everyone, not just the wealthy?

The seats were affordable

Why was it a problem if it rained during a play?

There was no ground, the ground was dirt so when it rained it would turn to mud. Also since there was no roof to the theater, the rain would pour in on the audience.

How did the tone of Shakespeare's plays change when James I became king?

They are darker and more cynical because of his insecurities.

The stage represented how many elements?

Three

Explain "the new boss".

Through one of Queen Elizabeth the First's lords, Shakespeare had an acting company called Lord Chamberlain's Men. After Queen Elizabeth's death, a new boss took over.

When was Shakespeare born?

his birthdate is uncertain but most scholars believe he was born on April 23, 1564.