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In the opening scene of Macbeth, how does Shakespeare set the atmosphere for what will happen later in the play?
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MACBETH In the opening scene of Macbeth, how does Shakespeare set the atmosphere for what will happen later in the play? 'Macbeth' is set in Scotland. At the time, Scotland was united with England because James 1 of England also became James V1 of Scotland, the first monarch to rule both countries. 'Macbeth' was written in 1606. This was just a year before the Gunpowder Plot, led by Guy Fawkes, attempted to kill the king and destroy the Houses of Parliament. During this period English society was full of treachery and nobody could be trusted. Also, at this time, there was very little technology and no scientific explanation for strange goings on, such as the miscarriage of babies. Many people, therefore, believed that witchcraft and 'agents of the devil' were responsible for anything that could not be explained. Shakespeare draws on these superstitions when he uses the witches to set the scene...
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