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Some people think Shakespeare wrote "Macbeth" specifically for King James I (To read more see the related link.) However, there is no evidence for this in records of the play being performed at court, or correspondence, or anything. There are numerous records of Shakespeare's plays being played at court, including Othello, As You Like It, and Measure for Measure, but not Macbeth. The record of contemporary performance that we do have is that the play was put on in 1611 at the Globe.

Of course the references to Banquo being James's ancestor were intended to flatter the king, but that does not mean that this play was specifically written for a purpose any different from the usual reason Shakespeare wrote plays: to make money. His play Richard III is highly flattering to Queen Elizabeth's grandfather, but nobody suggests that it was written specifically for her, since it clearly wasn't.

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12y ago
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14y ago

Macbeth was motivated by ambition. He tried to do a good job, and wanted recognition and rewards for his good work. Just as he threw himself into his work, so did he throw himself into his ambitions. In fact, he described his ambition as 'vaulting'[Act 1 Scene 7 Line 27].

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8y ago

Act IV in Shakespearean tragedies is often lightweight, providing a transition from the momentous events in Act III to the conclusive events of Act V. By the end of Act III we know that Macbeth is losing his marbles, and so is his wife, and the nobles of the country are uneasy and disturbed by the events of Macbeth's reign. We know that Macduff is being a traitor to Macbeth and asking the English to overthrow the Scottish king. The second visit to the witches, the slaughter of Macduff's family, and the arrival of that news in England, although full of drama, heighten the emotional stakes but do not really advance the plot. The long second and third scenes also give a break to the lead actor who needs one by this time.

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9y ago

To become King of Scotland, and then to remain King of Scotland. He commits more horrors trying to keep the throne than he did trying to get it.

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12y ago

to show the troubles that Macbeth has to deal with because of the death of duncan and to show how Macbeth is changing.

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Q: What is the main purpose of Act IV of Macbeth?
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Who says double double toile and trouble in Macbeth?

The witches, in Act IV Scene i


Who in Macbeth said let grief convert to anger?

Malcolm, in Act IV Scene 3


In Macbeth successful were the murderers?

Successful were the murderers in Macbeth partly;Banquo dead because of them becomes,But still alive is Fleance afterwards.Successful were in Act IV the murderers also,Who slaughter they made of the family of MacduffEntirely without exception.


What evidence is there that's Banquo macduff and the other do not trust Macbeth?

At various times in the play various lords show their mistrust and suspicion for Macbeth. Macduff shows it when he refuses to attend Macbeth's coronation at the end of Act II. Banquo starts Act three by saying "I fear thou play'dst most foully for't". In Act III Scene 6 Lennox expresses his suspicions of Macbeth. Ross arrives in England in Act IV Scene 3 to deliver a message as usual, but it is clear that he will not return to Scotland.


Why might Shakespeare have focused upon King Edward as a healer in Macbeth?

In Macbeth, Malcolm talks about Edward the Confessor's alleged ability to cure illness in Act IV Scene 3 in the middle of his conversation with Macduff. The purpose for injecting this observation a propos of nothing in the middle of the scene must be to contrast the Saintly Edward with Macbeth, and perhaps recall echoes of the Saintly Duncan. By contrast, Macbeth's faults are made to seem even more monstrous. And of course, this was all very politically correct at the time.

Related questions

Who does Macbeth meet with on the heath in the beginning of Act IV?

Macbeth meets with the three witches on the heath in the beginning of Act IV. They provide him with prophecies, including warnings about Macduff and Birnam Wood.


Who says double double toile and trouble in Macbeth?

The witches, in Act IV Scene i


Who in Macbeth said let grief convert to anger?

Malcolm, in Act IV Scene 3


What prophecy from act iv scene you is Malcolm fulfiling in act v?

In Act IV, Scene III, the prophecy that Malcolm is fulfilling in Act V is the one where he declares that he will lead an army to overthrow Macbeth and reclaim the throne of Scotland. In Act V, Malcolm, along with Macduff and an English army, fights against Macbeth and ultimately defeats him, fulfilling the prophecy and restoring order to Scotland.


Why does Macbeth misinterpret the prophecies he is given in Act IV?

Macbeth misinterprets the prophecies in Act IV because his ambition and desire for power cloud his judgment. The witches' prophecies play into his deepest desires, leading him to believe that he is invincible and untouchable. As a result, he becomes reckless and ignores the warnings implicit in the prophecies.


What is the purpose of article IV?

ushily the main start of the story


Did Macbeth say let grief convert to anger?

No, it was Malcolm who said it in Act 4 Scene 3No, Malcolm did in Act IV Scene 3, when talking to MacDuff.


In Act IV a doctor spies on Lady Macbeth while she is praying?

In Act V, Lady Macbeth sleepwalks and confesses her guilt, revealing her participation in the murder of King Duncan. Her hallucinations and actions convey her inner turmoil and the psychological impact of her crimes.


What is the origin of the quote By the pricking of my thumb something wicked this way comes?

This is from the lines of the second witch in Act IV, scene one of Macbeth.


In Macbeth successful were the murderers?

Successful were the murderers in Macbeth partly;Banquo dead because of them becomes,But still alive is Fleance afterwards.Successful were in Act IV the murderers also,Who slaughter they made of the family of MacduffEntirely without exception.


Who said 'By the pricking of your thumbs something wicked this way comes'?

The line "By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes" is from William Shakespeare's play Macbeth. It is spoken by one of the witches as Macbeth approaches.


Who said not in the legions of horrid hell can come a devil more damned in evil to top Macbeth?

This line is spoken by Macduff in William Shakespeare's play Macbeth. He is referring to Macbeth as a devil more evil than any in hell.