Macbeth

In 1603, James VI of Scotland ascended the English throne, becoming James I of England. London was alive with an interest in all things Scottish, and Shakespeare turned to Scottish history for material. He found a spectacle of violence and stories of traitors advised by witches and wizards, echoing James's belief in a connection between treason and witchcraft.

In depicting a man who murders to become king, Macbeth, one of William Shakespeare's plays teases us with huge questions. Is Macbeth tempted by fate, or by his or his wife's ambition? Why does their success turn to ashes?

Like other plays, Macbeth speaks to each generation. Its story was once seen as that of a hero who commits an evil act and pays an enormous price. Recently, it has been applied to nations that overreach themselves and to modern alienation. The line is blurred between Macbeth's evil and this opponents' good, and there are new altitudes toward both witchcraft and gender.

Shakespeare wrote Macbeth in about 1606 or 1607. It was published in the 1623 First Folio.

Productions at the Folger

• Macbeth (Folger Theatre, 2008)
• Macbeth (Folger Theatre, 2001)
• Macbeth (Shenandoah Shakespeare Express, 1999)

Early editions

First Folio

LUNA: First Folio: 2l6r - 2n4r

Hamnet: STC 22273 Fo. 1 no. 68

Second Folio

LUNA: Second Folio: 2n4r - 2p2r

Hamnet: STC 22274 Fo. 2 no. 07

Modern editions

Macbeth can be read online with Folger Digital Texts and purchased from Simon and Schuster.

The Folger Luminary Shakespeare App can be purchased on iTunes.

Hamnet link to Folger Edition: PR2753 .M6 2004 copy 2 v.21

Notes

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