1605 (Gunpowder Plot)

In 1603, James I becomes King of England and there is a sense of among Catholics that James is not sympathetic to Catholicism. In 1605, a group of Catholics—led by Guy Fawkes—decide to blow up Parliament. The Plot is discovered, however, and the plotters are later executed. The Gun Powder Plot is an example of equivocation; Guy Fawkes and his fellow plotters choose an inexplicit method to subvert their government. Henry Garnet, a friar at the time, wrote on this equivocation, as does Shakespeare in his play "Macbeth". "Macbeth" is a play of equivocations, as seen in the opening act of the play when one of the witches says the witches shall meet again "When the battle's lost and won" (Act I, Scene I). Throughout the play the witches speak equivocally as Shakespeare underscores the superstition and mysticism associated with Catholicism.

Matt Sigel (Waldo Disc. 1A)