Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on Macbeth as Representative of Middle Ages. Have the paper e-mailed to you 24/7/365.
Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 3 page research paper that examines Macbeth as representative of medieval reality. The writer examines the historical details of Duncan's death and Macbeth's usurpation, as well as the details of Celtic warfare that Shakespeare utilizes. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khmachis.rtf
Buy This Term Paper »
Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
therefore, has a basis in fact. An examination of the historical Macbeth demonstrates that Shakespeares play, while it did alter the details of the story to fit dramatic purposes, is
largely representative of medieval reality. King Malcolm II ruled Scotland from 1005 to 1034 AD and was the last king n a direct male line descended from Kenneth MacAlpine,
the ruler who united the Scots and Picts in 843 AD (Shakespeares Stories). One of Malcolms daughters, Bethoc, married Abbot of Dunkeld. Their son, Duncan, was made King of Cumbria
in 1018. After Malcolm IIs murder by his nobles, Duncan managed to kill his opponents for the crown and seized the throne as King Duncan I (Shakespeares Stories). However,
Duncans first cousins, Macbeth (Shakespeares inspiration for his play) and Thorfinn the Raven Feeder, the Norwegian Earl of Orkney, joined forces to promote Macbeths clam to the throne, which was
through Macbeths mother, another daughter of Malcolm II. Duncans reign extended from 1034 until his death in 1040 when he was defeated in battle by Macbeth at Elgin. After Duncans
death, Thorfinn ruled northern Scotland and Macbeth rules the southern districts (Shakespeares Stories). Therefore, it can be seen that Shakespeares Macbeth was drawn from actual historical events, even though Shakespeare
altered these events to increase the dramatic impact of his play. This being the case, however, the principal manner in which Shakespeares play reflects medieval history is in the details.
For example, Dr. Hilary L. Yewlett asserts that there is evidence that Shakespeare learned about Celtic custom and practices from his Welch schoolmaster in Stratford, Thomas Jenkins (Yewlett). This
knowledge is evident early-on in the play when Shakespeare uses the term "hurlyburly" to describe the manner in which Celts waged war, which was geared toward terrifying their enemies (Yewlett).
...