Everything You Need to Know About Macbeth

*Includes a short biography of Shakespeare

*Explains the historical sources that inspired the story of Macbeth

*Summarizes every scene of Macbeth and analyzes them.

*Discusses the characters, plot, and major themes of Macbeth


“Stars, hide your fires!

Let not light see my black and deep desires.” – Macbeth


William Shakespeare is widely considered the greatest writer in the history of the English language, so renowned and respected that the time period in which he lived is often known as the Age of Shakespeare. Indeed, his genius is questioned only by those who doubt the authenticity of his authorship of timeless classics like Romeo and Juliet. As Ben Jonson once put it, "He was not of an age, but for all time.” No other writer, in English or in any other language, can rival the appeal that Shakespeare has enjoyed around the world, and nobody’s had a bigger influence. 


The “Bard of Avon” has a catalogue full of the best known plays and poetry in history. His surviving works, including some collaborations, consist of about 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. His early plays were mainly comedies and histories, genres he raised to the peak of sophistication and artistry by the end of the 16th century. He then wrote mainly tragedies until about 1608, and in his last phase, he wrote tragicomedies. Even those who have never read works like Othello, Macbeth, King Lear, or Hamlet are instantly familiar with the names. 


Although his works are so well known, major details of his life are still sketchy. Between 1585 and 1592, he began a successful career in London as an actor, writer, and part owner of a playing company called the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men. He appears to have retired to Stratford around 1613, where he died three years later. Few records of Shakespeare's private life survive, and there has been considerable speculation about such matters as his physical appearance, sexuality, religious beliefs, and even whether the works attributed to him were written by others. 


Macbeth is widely considered Shakespeare’s darkest play, and one of his most poignant tragedies. It follows Macbeth’s choices on his rise to power, the psychological impact the choices have on him, and the ultimate consequences of his actions. Like some of Shakespeare’s other tragedies, particularly Hamlet, Macbeth is both a character study and a cautionary tale. 


Everything You Need to Know About Macbeth is the perfect resource for understanding Shakespeare’s shortest and bloodiest tragedy, including an introduction to the famous playwright and a comprehensive explanation of the play’s characters, plot, themes, and its influential and enduring legacy. With Macbeth as relevant as ever today, get caught up quickly with this resourceful guide.