Setting and Background

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Setting and Background

-based on actual historical events
- SCOTLAND
-actual castle Inverness
- Macbeth ?murdered? Duncan
-Scotland politically independent of England when play written (both countries under same King)
-Shakespeare may have chosen Scottish history due to the King, James I of Scotland and England who was his patron
-play action alternates from deserted heath, Duncan?s palace at Forres, Macbeth?s castle Inverness to Macduff?s castle, England to Inverness
-atmosphere rather than physical setting more important
-scene of gloom and mystery dominates opening scene
-series of storm and night scenes match the play?s ?dark? mood and Macbeth?s nature