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Humanities LibreTexts

Reading Guide

  • Page ID
    85774
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    Background & Context

    Geography

    Where did Macbeth take place? What's with all of these references to different regions? Check out this interactive map of Scotland for some answers. 

     

    History

    Timeline

    Religion & Power

    Witchcraft

     

    The Theatre

     

    Discussion Questions

    Are the witches good or evil? Are they deities, supernatural, or "monstrous" beings? What is the nature of their power? 

    Are the witches gender-ambiguous or was there not the correct terminology to apply to their characters when this play was written?

    Who controls the events of the play? Does Macbeth make his own decisions? Is Lady Macbeth the true mover of action? Is everyone under the power of the suggestion of the witches, or are they actually using magic to influence other characters?

    How do blood and guilt function in the play? 

    How does the historical context of the play potentially influence the work itself?

    How has Macbeth gone on to influence more contemporary works? 


    Reading Guide is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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