1. Sources of the Play
Macbeth

2. The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act II Sources of the Play
A Play Based in History
Shakespeare based the main events in Macbeth on a book by Raphael Holinshed called Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
Shakespeare used this book as a source for many of his plays.

3. The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act II Sources of the Play
Macbeth for Real
Macbeth was the real-life king of Scotland from 1040 to 1057.
However, the historical Macbeth
had a legitimate claim to Duncan’s throne
gained the throne with the help of other nobles
ruled rather successfully

4. The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act II Sources of the Play
Shakespeare’s Macbeth
Given the historical facts, why did Shakespeare
paint Macbeth as such an evil, power-hungry man?
give him no political allies?
develop Lady Macbeth into such a ruthless and ambitious character?
depict Macbeth’s reign as bringing nothing but disaster to Scotland?

5. The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act II Sources of the Play
Backdrop for the Play
In the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, several Catholic zealots plotted—unsuccessfully—to blow up King James I and his Protestant Parliament.
King James I

6. The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act II Sources of the Play
A Play About People
Shakespeare was more interested in psychological truth than in historical fact.
Macbeth may not be historically accurate, but it is about real people—men and women tempted by power and caught in a web of their own desires.
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