William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, originally performed in the early 1600’s, definitely deserves it’s recognition as a tragedy. With three brutal murders, witches, and craziness what more could Shakespeare have added, to make this play such a hit. Not only were all the common people in love with another one of Shakespeare’s plays, but Shakespeare wrote Macbeth to impress one certain person, King James. King James of England and Scotland was an avid witch hunter and the author of a book entitled Daemonologie. Taking this information into account it can be seen how Shakespeare relates Macbeth to King James. Through supernatural elements and other forms of character Shakespeare made sure that King James would be thoroughly impressed. Macbeth
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There are numerous times in the play where the current King makes a statement and uses the pronoun “we” instead of saying “I”. Shakespeare did this because like many Kings, James believed that Kings were tied to their land. Therefore, when a King was speaking they spoke as the whole country instead of just themselves. A final suck up to King James would have to be near the end of the play when Malcolm is chatting with Macduff in England. “ … Their malady convinces the great assay of art, but at his touch they presently amend” (Shakespeare 149). This quote is showing how in this time period people believed that Edward the Conqueror, a previous King of England had a magical touch. If a person was sick or riddled with disease thy only needed to be touched by the King and they were healed. This appeals to King James because he liked to think that like Edward he had the magic touch as …show more content…
Not only could average people enjoy this play it also happens to be fit for a king, literally. Shakespeare made sure that nearly every detail he wrote could be twisted and viewed as a way to impress King James. Through his use of witchcraft and other ideas found in Daemonologie, and his overall character behavior Shakespeare really pulled through with this piece. Without Shakespeare we wouldn’t have such a wonderful work of art and in the gracious words of Lady Macbeth “What’s done cannot be undone” (Shakespeare 161) and Shakespeare’s work isn’t going
There are numerous times in the play where the current King makes a statement and uses the pronoun “we” instead of saying “I”. Shakespeare did this because like many Kings, James believed that Kings were tied to their land. Therefore, when a King was speaking they spoke as the whole country instead of just themselves. A final suck up to King James would have to be near the end of the play when Malcolm is chatting with Macduff in England. “ … Their malady convinces the great assay of art, but at his touch they presently amend” (Shakespeare 149). This quote is showing how in this time period people believed that Edward the Conqueror, a previous King of England had a magical touch. If a person was sick or riddled with disease thy only needed to be touched by the King and they were healed. This appeals to King James because he liked to think that like Edward he had the magic touch as …show more content…
Not only could average people enjoy this play it also happens to be fit for a king, literally. Shakespeare made sure that nearly every detail he wrote could be twisted and viewed as a way to impress King James. Through his use of witchcraft and other ideas found in Daemonologie, and his overall character behavior Shakespeare really pulled through with this piece. Without Shakespeare we wouldn’t have such a wonderful work of art and in the gracious words of Lady Macbeth “What’s done cannot be undone” (Shakespeare 161) and Shakespeare’s work isn’t going