Westminster Abbey

Anti-Stratfordians—a collective term for adherents of the various alternative-authorship theories—believe that Shakespeare of Stratford was a front to shield the identity of the real author or authors, who for some reason—usually social rank, state security, or gender—did not want or could not accept public credit.

There did exist a man named William Shakspere, of Stratford, but the plays and poems attributed to William Shakespeare were in fact written by Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, the Lord Great Chamberlain and senior earl of England, early a favorite of Queen Elizabeth and usually on good terms with her.

The current Lord Oxford and Asquith is a retired diplomat. Several other members of the Asquith family have also gained distinction. Raymond Asquith, eldest son of the first Earl and father of the second, was a barrister and intellectual. Herbert Asquith, second son of the first Earl, was a poet, novelist and lawyer.

This is the 10th time a member of the royal family has become an earl, marquess or duke of Cambridge. In the age-old contest of Oxford and Cambridge, it’s one up for the latter university: Cambridge 1; Oxford 0.

Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom

Hamlet

Macduff is loyal to King Duncan, even after he is murdered. He loves Scotland and puts his family at risk to help raise an army to topple Macbeth’s tyrannical rule. Macduff fights and kills Macbeth by decapitating him. …

Macbeth is the tragic hero of the play. Ambition is his fatal flaw. Tragic heroes start off nice, then a bad part of their personality kicks in (a fatal flaw) to make them not so nice. Sometimes, when you watch modern films, the film maker uses the idea of a tragic hero too.

Good and evil Heroism – Duncan and his men represent right and order. They are trying to restore peace to Scotland. Symbols of good – Malcolm and Macduff are built up as figures of goodness and provide a contrast to the evil of Macbeth.

Macbeth is a complex character who changes throughout the course of the play. He is clearly a brave warrior and leader at the start of the drama but he falls victim to the Witches’ predictions. The Witches’ predictions seem to waken the ambition already in him and he is spurred on by his wife.

The witches hail Macbeth first by his title Thane of Glamis, then as Thane of Cawdor and finally as king. They then prophesy that Banquo’s children will become kings. Macbeth demands to know more but the witches vanish. Ross and Angus arrive to tell Macbeth that he has been given the title Thane of Cawdor by Duncan.

Here’s a quick overview of what happens in the play. After a battle in Scotland, Macbeth and his friend Banquo meet three witches, who make three prophecies – Macbeth will be a thane, Macbeth will be king and Banquo’s sons will be kings.