BACKGROUND in Macbeth: Sources

Shakespeare based Macbeth on Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Noting the similarities and differences helps us interpret the play, because what Shakespeare added he must have felt was necessary for some reason and what he omitted he must have felt was undesirable. Review the following summary of Holinshed's story of Macbeth (spelled Makbeth in Holinshed).

Summary from Holinshed (1587):

1. Duncan was soft and gentle, so that his negligence in punishing offenders led them to rebel.

2. Makbeth defeats the rebel Makdowald and the invading Sueno king of Norway.

3. Makbeth and Banquho hear prophecies from strange women.

4. King Duncan (son-in-law of Siward Earl of Northumberland) names Malcolme as Prince of Cumberland and alienates Makbeth.

5. Makbeth slays the king and seizes the crown, urged on by his wife and "his trusty friends, amongst whom Banquho was the chiefest" (144).

Makbeth rules 17 years (1040-1057), the first 10 years "in equal justice" (145).

6. Makbeth hires murderers to kill Banquho and son, but Fleance escapes.

7. Makbeth turns cruel, fearing "lest he should be served of the same cup, as he had ministered to his predecessor" (145).

8. Makbeth learns from wizards to be careful of Makduffe, but feels invincible and invulnerable.

9. When Makbeth learns of Makduffe's flight to Malcolme, he kills Lady Makduffe, her children and servants.

10. Malcolme defames himself (lecherous, avaricious, etc.) in order to test Makduffe's sincerity.

11. Malcolme's forces (including aid from Old Siward) camouflage themselves as they march to Dunsinane.

12. Makbeth flees when he sees the number of the enemy, but turns to face Makduffe, flaunting his invulnerability--" [I am one] not appointed to be slain by any creature that is born of a woman." Makduffe says he "was never born of my mother, but ripped out of her womb" and kills Makbeth (153).

Question: After reviewing the summary of Makbeth's story from Holinshed, answer some or all of the following questions:

a. What is the effect of making Duncan less weak in Shakespeare's play?

b. How did Shakespeare change Banquo's role and what is the effect?

c. Although the prophecies remain the same, how does Shakespeare change their delivery to Macbeth?

d. What happens to Macbeth's character in Shakespeare compared to Holinshed's Makbeth?

Click here for a sample answer.

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