Background, Context, and Setting (Grade 12 NSC Matric English FAL): Revision Notes
Background, Context, and Setting
Introduction to William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare stands as one of the most influential writers in English literature. Born in 1564 in the small English town of Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare created works that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. During his lifetime, he produced approximately 38 plays and over 150 poems before his death in 1616.
What makes Shakespeare remarkable is the timeless relevance of his works. Although written around 400 years ago, his plays remain popular across the globe. They have been translated into nearly every language and performed in hundreds of countries. The themes he explored - particularly power and its corrupting influence - continue to resonate with modern audiences, as these human struggles persist in the 21st century.
Shakespeare's works have transcended time and cultural boundaries, making him arguably the most performed and studied playwright in history. His ability to capture universal human experiences explains why his plays are still regularly performed in theatres worldwide today.
Historical background and context
Elizabethan society and culture
Understanding Shakespeare's world helps us better appreciate his plays. During most of Shakespeare's life, Queen Elizabeth I ruled England (1558-1603). This Elizabethan era was a time of significant change and growth.
To truly understand Shakespeare's plays, we must first understand the social and cultural context in which they were written. The Elizabethan worldview shaped every aspect of his storytelling, from character development to social commentary.
Social structure in Shakespeare's time:
- England had a highly unequal society with distinct social classes
- The nobility were wealthy landowners who inherited their titles and positions
- A small middle class was beginning to develop
- Most people were poor, with limited opportunities for social advancement
- No democracy existed - ordinary people could not vote for their rulers
- Women had very limited rights and could not inherit titles from their fathers
- Only women from very wealthy families received education
- Most women were expected to be domestic servants or housewives
Daily life and challenges:
- Christianity played a central role in people's lives, with regular church attendance
- Life expectancy was much shorter - a person was considered old at forty
- Diseases were common and deadly, including the plague spread by rats
- Medical knowledge was limited, leaving doctors unable to cure many illnesses
- Education was primarily for wealthy men, who could read and write
Language evolution
The English language during Shakespeare's time differed significantly from modern English. For example, people would refer to a good friend or child as "thee" rather than "you" as we do today.
Key points about Elizabethan English:
- The language was primarily spoken rather than written
- Most books were written in Latin
- No English dictionaries existed
- English was not taught in schools
- Shakespeare helped develop and popularise the English language by writing his popular plays in English rather than Latin
Language Comparison Example:
Elizabethan English: "How art thee this day, my good friend?" Modern English: "How are you today, my good friend?"
This shows how pronouns and verb forms have simplified over the centuries.
Theatre and entertainment
Theatre served as popular entertainment for all social classes during Shakespeare's time, similar to how people today enjoy cinema or football matches.
Shakespeare's theatre experience:
- Even Queen Elizabeth I attended Shakespeare's plays
- The Globe Theatre was a famous venue that could seat 3000 people
- Audiences were highly interactive - they cheered, clapped, and even threw rotten vegetables if they disliked a performance
- Plays served as social commentary, allowing people to express opinions about societal issues
- The language was often poetic and sometimes sexual, which entertained rather than shocked audiences
- Theatre provided both humour and drama, appealing to diverse tastes
The theatrical experience in Shakespeare's time was far more interactive than modern theatre. Audiences participated actively, creating an electric atmosphere that influenced how playwrights structured their works for maximum audience engagement.
Setting of Macbeth
Macbeth takes place in 11th century Scotland, providing a historical backdrop that was both familiar and exotic to Shakespeare's English audiences.
Geographic and temporal setting:
- Most scenes occur in Scotland, reflecting the play's focus on Scottish nobility and politics
- Some outdoor scenes include battlefields (Act 1, Scene 1) and the heath where the witches appear (Act 1, Scene 3)
- One scene is set in England (Act 4, Scene 3) at the English court, showing the political connections between the two kingdoms
This Scottish setting allowed Shakespeare to explore themes of political ambition, warfare, and supernatural beliefs that were significant in mediaeval Scottish culture.
The choice of Scotland as a setting was particularly strategic for Shakespeare, as King James I (who had recently become king when Macbeth was written) was Scottish. This setting would have pleased the new monarch while allowing Shakespeare to explore darker themes of political corruption.
Character types in Macbeth
Understanding different character types helps students analyse how Shakespeare constructed his drama.
Main character types
The protagonist (main character):
- Macbeth serves as the protagonist - the central character around whom the story revolves
- The protagonist appears from beginning to end and drives the main action
- In this play, the protagonist's actions and decisions create the central conflicts
The antagonist (opposing character):
- Characters who work against the protagonist's goals
- This doesn't always mean a single evil person - it can include situations or groups of people
- Examples in Macbeth: Banquo, Macduff, and other nobles (Thanes) who oppose Macbeth's tyrannical rule
Character Development Analysis:
Static Character Example: The Porter remains consistently humourous and crude throughout his appearance, serving his specific dramatic purpose without personal change.
Dynamic Character Example: Lady Macbeth transforms dramatically from a strong, manipulative woman in Act 1 to a guilt-ridden, mentally unstable person who ultimately commits suicide.
Character development types:
- Static (flat) characters: These characters don't change much throughout the story but serve important purposes in supporting the plot and creating tension
- Dynamic (changing) characters: These characters undergo significant transformation - Lady Macbeth changes from strong and manipulative to weak, eventually committing suicide
- Round characters: Complex characters who keep readers guessing about their true nature and motivations - Lady Macbeth serves as an example
Evil characters (villains):
- Characters who actively work to harm the protagonist and others
- In Macbeth, both the Witches and eventually Macbeth and Lady Macbeth themselves become villainous
Social classes in Macbeth
Shakespeare structured his characters according to Elizabethan social expectations that his audience would recognise:
The nobility:
- Wealthy landowners with inherited titles and political power
- Examples: Macbeth, Thane of Glamis; Lady Macbeth; Macduff; Banquo; Siward, Earl of Northumberland
- These characters drive the main political action of the play
The commoners:
- People without inherited wealth or titles
- Often worked as servants for noble families
- Examples: The Porter and various servants
- Had little chance to improve their social status
- These characters often provide humour and commentary on the actions of their social superiors
The army:
- Soldiers play crucial roles since the play revolves around battles and political conflict
- The play opens and closes with battlefield scenes
- Macbeth begins as Thane of Glamis and cousin to King Duncan of Scotland
- Military success leads to political rewards - Macbeth receives the title Thane of Cawdor for his bravery
- Foreign armies threaten Scottish independence - King Edward of England raises an army led by Malcolm to challenge Macbeth's rule
Understanding the rigid social hierarchy of Shakespeare's time is crucial for interpreting character motivations and conflicts in Macbeth. The play's political tensions directly reflect the social structures that Shakespeare's audiences would have immediately recognised.
Key Points to Remember:
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Shakespeare wrote Macbeth around 400 years ago, but its themes about power and corruption remain relevant today
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The play is set in 11th century Scotland, providing a historical backdrop for political intrigue and supernatural elements
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Elizabethan society was highly unequal, with distinct social classes that Shakespeare reflected in his character choices
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Understanding character types (protagonist, antagonist, static, dynamic, round, evil) helps analyse how Shakespeare developed the drama
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The theatre experience in Shakespeare's time was interactive and popular across all social classes, influencing how he wrote for his audiences