Gone Medieval The Real Lady Macbeth with Val McDermid
Jan 7, 2025
Val McDermid, a best-selling crime writer, joins Dr. Eleanor Janega to uncover the truths behind Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth. They highlight how Shakespeare's portrayal distorts the real Queen Macbeth, revealing her noble lineage and political acumen. The conversation shifts to the often-overlooked role women played in historical power dynamics, emphasizing diplomacy over aggression. They also discuss the intriguing political landscape of 11th century Scotland and reflect on the perpetual influence of storytelling in shaping historical narratives.
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Project Origins
- Val McDermid decided to write about Lady Macbeth after her publishers, Berlin, suggested it.
- They gave her a choice of time periods, and she chose to challenge Shakespeare's inaccurate portrayal.
Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth
- Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth is ambitious, domineering, and ultimately, the villain.
- She pushes Macbeth to kill the king, thus ruining the kingdom, but this is historically inaccurate.
The Real Macbeths
- Unlike Shakespeare's portrayal, the real Macbeths were loved and ruled for 17 years, indicating a stable reign.
- Ruling for so long in the Middle Ages suggests popular support and absence of internal rebellion.
