The Gunpowder Plot and Macbeth by

What is it?

alys8111 — 2018-05-16 17:33:09 UTC

The Gunpowder Plot was a mission to have King James and his political following blown to bits in 1605. This was led by a flock of angry Catholics, upset at the order of King James I that did not follow the religion.

Connection to Shakespeare himself

alys8111 — 2018-05-16 17:35:07 UTC

Shakespeare's family and himself were rather close to the traitors, the men that plotted to kill King James I, and it was mentioned that Shakespeare may be involved in the plot.

Who is Guy Fawkes?

alys8111 — 2018-05-16 17:38:09 UTC

Guy Fawkes was the man found in the cellars of Parliament surrounded by barrels of gunpowder and matches hanging out of his pocket. Upon his capture he was sent to be tortured to find out more information about the deed, and wait for other names involved in the crime.

The Man with the Plan

alys8111 — 2018-05-16 17:40:13 UTC

The project to terminate King James I was led by Robert Catesby. Some of the other men involved are;

Robert and Thomas Wintour
Thomas Percy
Christopher and John Wright
Francis Tresham
Everard Digby
Ambrose Rookwood
Thomas Bates
Robert Keyes
Hugh Owen
John Grant

How is this connected to Macbeth?

alys8111 — 2018-05-16 17:44:09 UTC

It was considered that Shakespeare had written Macbeth as a way to tell the King that he had no connection to the Gunpowder Plot.

Lady Macbeth and the Medal

alys8111 — 2018-05-16 17:45:47 UTC

The medal was a token made by the King representing a snake (serpent) hiding in some flowers, This is connected to Macbeth when Lady Macbeth says, "Look like th' innocent flower, But be the serpent under 't" (Shakespeare, 1.5.56-58). It is thought that Shakespeare wrote these lines in reference to the medal.

What Happened to the Men?

alys8111 — 2018-05-16 17:49:41 UTC

Each of the men involved in the plot to murder the king were murdered. Some were shot, but most were hung, beheaded and quartered.

Macbeth

alys8111 — 2018-05-16 17:50:47 UTC

The play touches on subjects of treason, overthrowing a king, and the consequences of his murdered friends, which shows resemblance to the Gunpowder Plot as well.

Captured

alys8111 — 2018-05-16 17:52:20 UTC

The men were only caught when an anonymous letter was sent and warned of an explosion. The king ordered for an inspection of the land, which is when Guy Fawkes was found in the cellar. They then tortured Guy Fawkes until he gave names of who else was involved.

Bonfire Night

alys8111 — 2018-05-16 17:55:24 UTC

November 5th signifies Bonfire Night which is to remember the day of The Gunpowder Plot. On this day statues of the Pope and of Guy Fawkes were thrown to the top of the bonfire and later fireworks were added in.

Works Cited

alys8111 — 2018-05-16 18:06:54 UTC

C N Trueman "The Gunpowder Plot Of 1605"
historylearningsite.co.uk. The History Learning Site, 17 Mar 2015. 16 May 2018.

Mabillard, Amanda. Shakespeare and the Gunpowder Plot. Shakespeare Online. 20 Aug. 2000. < http://www.shakespeare-online.com/biography >.

Fraser, Antonia, The Gunpowder Plot: Terror and Faith in 1605, (London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1996)

Shakespeare, William. Macbeth.