AO3 · Context
Context capsules
Short, useful, and always tied back to the play. Context only earns marks when it explains something Shakespeare does.
A new king in the audience
What happened: James VI of Scotland became James I of England in 1603. Shakespeare's company performed for him.
Why it's in the play: A Scottish play, with a Scottish king and Banquo's line surviving, flattered a king who claimed descent from Banquo.
Why it matters: It explains why the murderer of a king is punished so completely, and why order returns at the end.
Use it like this: Use it to explain Shakespeare's purpose: the ending is a warning to anyone imagining regicide.
Witchcraft was taken seriously
What happened: James I wrote a book about witchcraft, and people were executed for it in both Scotland and England.
Why it's in the play: Opening with witches guarantees attention, and makes the danger feel real rather than decorative.
Why it matters: It changes how the audience hears the prophecies: not entertainment, but genuine spiritual threat.
Use it like this: Use it when explaining why the witches' influence would frighten an original audience more than it does us.
The divine right of kings
What happened: Many believed a king was chosen by God, so harming one was a crime against God as well as the state.
Why it's in the play: It makes Duncan's murder the worst crime imaginable, and explains why nature itself reacts.
Why it matters: It is why the play fills with storms, darkness and sleeplessness after the murder.
Use it like this: Use it to explain the disorder imagery — not as a fact bolted on, but as the reason the imagery exists.
The Gunpowder Plot, 1605
What happened: A group tried to blow up Parliament and kill the king. It was discovered, and the plotters were executed.
Why it's in the play: Macbeth was written soon after. Its audience had just lived through a real plot to murder a king.
Why it matters: Deception, double meanings and hidden intentions were on everyone's mind.
Use it like this: Use it with appearance-versus-reality: hidden treachery was a live fear, not a literary idea.
What women were expected to be
What happened: Jacobean women were expected to be obedient, gentle and led by their husbands.
Why it's in the play: Lady Macbeth is written against that expectation, which is what makes her so disturbing on stage.
Why it matters: Her request to be 'unsexed' only makes sense if the audience holds those expectations.
Use it like this: Use it when analysing her language of power — and when explaining why her collapse follows.