Shakespeare, William. Macbeth, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002.
The Tragedy of Macbeth or Macbeth was written between the years 1603-1607 and possibly refers to the historical accession of the Stuart bloodline of Scotland. Although thought to contain Gothic elements such as witches and ghosts, the truth is that readers and listeners of this play have drawn inferences which are not in fact referred to in the work itself. This work is of the Tragedy genre through and through.There are elements of superstition in this work, but it is a work concerning a well culminated plan of murder and usurpation and the rightful Ascension to the throne.
It begins in the darkness of twilight with three 'Weird Sisters' (not witches) who give a prophetic message to the play's antihero Macbeth, who on hearing good tidings of his future Kingship and buoyed by his wife, Lady Macbeth, murders Duncan the rightful King. The play consists of the aftermath of his murder and the eventual fight between Macbeth and Macduff and the accession of the next rightful heir to the throne, Malcom.
Students may find the notes in this Oxford World Classic edition of Macbeth of historical and literary importance, especially when once widely used but almost forgotten linguistics appear in this translation. An example question for beginning student reflection on linguistics may be appropriate to kick-start the brainstorming and research:
- What does the term used in Macbeth, "not of woman born", mean?
Additional reading:
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