macbeth

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Recommended: Shakespeare's macbeth's analyses

William Shakespeare, a popular playwright during the Elizabethan Era created his own version of the historical account of King Duncan I and King Macbeth of Scotland, The Tragedy of Macbeth. Shakespeare alters some of the historical details within his play to make for a more dramatic, twisted effect. Although he keeps some aspects of the play similar to the actual history, Shakespeare’s play varies in terms of characters, events, and settings.
One detail from history that Shakespeare changes in order to fit his play is characters. Three of the most important characters in Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Macbeth are Duncan, Macbeth, and Malcolm. Shakespeare keeps these characters similar to the historical person that they are modeled after. Shakespeare’s Duncan is King of Scotland and has two sons, one of those sons being Malcolm. In history, King Duncan I of Scotland in fact has a son named Malcolm, later King Malcolm III (Military Defeat and Death). Shakespeare’s play also has one character named Macbeth who murders King Duncan in order to become king. In history however, Macbeth kills Duncan in battle rather than murdering him (Macbeth). The third character is modeled after King Malcolm III. Shakespeare’s Malcolm is the son of Duncan who wants to see Macbeth brought to justice by being put to death. This character is kept true to his historical model.
Another aspect of history that Shakespeare alters for The Tragedy of Macbeth is the events that take place. One detail that Shakespeare changes is that of how Macbeth kills Duncan. Shakespeare’s Macbeth murders the ruling King Duncan I as he sleeps as a guest at his castle. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth discuss the king’s fatal end beforehand and how Duncan’s guards will be framed as t...

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...n which it was based in the areas of characters, events, and settings. He changes these aspects of the history in order to make a more intriguing story. Making dramatic plays based on historical events is one reason that Shakespeare became the popular poet and playwright that he was during his lifetime.

Works Cited

Macbeth Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, 1996-2013. Web. 10 Nov.

2013. .

Taylor, Doreen. "Real Story of the Three Witches Imortalized by William Shakespeare."

Suite 101. N.p., 23 Oct. 2013. Web. 10 Nov. 2013. .

Wells, Catherine. "Will the Real Macbeth Please Stand Up?" Sff.net. SFF, 2007. Web. 10

Nov. 2013. .

Wiggins, Grant P. Prentice Hall Literature. New Edition ed. NJ: Upper Saddle River,

2014. Print. 12 Grade.

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