The Wade Deacon English Department Podcast

The Witches in Macbeth

"[Thunder and lightning. Enter three witches]" is perhaps one of the most famous opening stage directions in the history of theatre. In this episode of the Macbeth Monologues, Ms Noone investigates why the witches are so significant and influential in the text, and Macbeth's changing relationship to them.

The Character of Macbeth

How does a man go from being described as "brave" and "noble" to being known only as a "dead butcher"? In this episode of the Macbeth Monologues, Ms Carr delves into the ever-evolving character of Macbeth. 

The Supernatural in Macbeth

Witches, ghosts and nightmarish visions - Shakespeare's Macbeth is full of references to the supernatural. But what do these strange happenings signify and how do they influence the plot and characters? Ms Archer examines the ghostly goings on of one of Shakespeare's spookiest texts. 

Violence in Macbeth

As Macbeth himself says after seeing Banquo's horrifying ghost in Act 3, "blood will have blood". In this episode of the Macbeth Monologues, Ms Barker explores the theme of violence in the text, and its impact on the key characters.

Fate in Macbeth

Have you ever had the feeling that something was just meant to be? In this episode of the Macbeth monologues, Ms Smith investigates the concept of fate and the impact this has on the plot and characters of Macbeth.

The Character of Macduff

Macduff is primarily known as the character who finally brings a brutal end to Macbeth's reign of terror - but what else do we know about the man "untimely ripped from his mother's womb"? In this episode of the Macbeth Monologues, Ms O'Malley sheds some light on the key events and quotations linked to Macduff and his unfortunate family. 

'Minor' Characters in Macbeth

When we think of the key characters in Macbeth, we think of the "dead butcher" and his "fiend-like queen" and the litany of dead bodies they leave in their wake. But what of the more minor characters, such as the doctor, the porter and Seyton? In this episode of the Macbeth Monologues, Ms Jacob explores the hidden significance of these often forgotten figures.

Social and Historical Context of Macbeth

It's hard to imagine what life was like 400 years ago when Shakespeare was writing Macbeth, but it is important to try because he was so deeply influenced by the details of the world around him. In this episode of the Macbeth Monologues, Ms Barker considers the political, social and religious factors that would have impacted Shakespeare's writing process.

Macbeth Myths vs Honest History

Macbeth is famously based on the real Scottish nobility of days gone by - but, like most writers, Shakespeare used a lot of creative licence to toy with the truth. In this episode of the Macbeth Monologues, Ms Noone explores the key similarities and differences between the plot we see unfold on stage and the real historical accounts that inspired Shakespeare. 

Power in Macbeth

John Dalberg-Acton once said, "absolute power corrupts absolutely." What does this mean? And how can we apply this statement to our reading of Macbeth? In this episode of the Macbeth Monologues, Mr Buxton examines the corrupting nature of power and its impact on various key characters.