Background/Context: Shakespeare was and still is considered the greatest poet and dramatist the world has ever known. He was born in Stratford-on-Avon, England, in April of 1564. The exact day is unknown but they celebrate his birthday on April 23, which also happens to be the same day that he died in 1616. No other author 's work has been produced as much as Shakespeare 's has. The play Macbeth was composed in late 1606 to early 1607. It is one of Shakespeare 's shortest plays but is considered to be one of his darkest. It is also believed that there may have been more than one author who contributed to the writing of the story. James Middleton could have been responsible for the witches ' scenes. The play is based on actual historical events. It is based on the career of the Scottish King Macbeth who lived from 1005 to 1057. In real life, Macbeth took the throne away from King Duncan, who was his cousin. Macbeth actually had a claim to the throne because he was the grandson of King Malcolm II. King Macbeth did not kill Duncan, he was actually killed in battle.
Characters:
Macbeth: …show more content…
One time is right before Macbeth is about to kill Kind Duncan. He is standing in the hall outside of his room and he starts to see a dagger floating in the air. Of course the dagger is not actually there, but for all intents and purposes, Macbeth sees it as real. Another time that the theme of ghosts and visions comes about is when Macbeth is at dinner with everyone right after Banquo is killed. He imagines Banquo 's ghost and has a major freak out. This causes Lady Macbeth to have to lie to her guests saying that Macbeth has been ill and the fits that he has are common. Macbeth almost admitted to everything that he had done in the midst of his fit. These two events are significant because they show that Macbeth actually does have a conscience and he is feeling guilty about what he has