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7
1
Marni
10/12/2025
English Literature
Macbeth - Context
420
•
10 Dec 2025
•
Marni
@marni
Understanding the historical context behind Shakespeare's Macbeth makes the play... Show more
Ever wondered if Macbeth was a real person? He absolutely was, and his story is quite different from Shakespeare's version. Shakespeare primarily used Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles (1577) as his main source, but he cleverly mixed different historical accounts to create maximum dramatic impact.
The real Macbeth had a legitimate claim to the Scottish throne through Celtic tradition, which said the crown should alternate between family branches. When King Malcolm II died in 1034, he broke tradition by naming Duncan (his grandson) as heir instead of Macbeth (another grandson). Lady Macbeth (historically called Lady Gruoch) also had royal blood, being descended from two previous Scottish kings.
Unlike Shakespeare's version, the real Macbeth didn't sneak into Duncan's bedroom with a dagger. Instead, he raised an army, faced Duncan in open battle, and killed him in combat. Macbeth then ruled Scotland successfully for seventeen years - hardly the brief, guilt-ridden reign Shakespeare depicts.
Key Point: Shakespeare combined Macbeth's story with another tale about King Duff's murder to create the secretive, guilt-inducing assassination we see in the play.
Shakespeare set Macbeth in a Scotland that was constantly under threat, which perfectly matched the violent atmosphere he wanted to create. Medieval Scotland faced regular Viking raids from Norway and Denmark, with attackers using the Hebrides islands as bases - exactly where Shakespeare places some of his action.
Scottish culture during this period was deeply superstitious, with widespread belief in witchcraft and supernatural prophecies. Witches were seen as genuinely dangerous threats to social stability, with King Kenneth even decreeing that witches who summoned spirits should be burned alive. This wasn't just medieval hysteria - people genuinely believed witches could influence real events.
The landscape itself was harsh and isolated, with scattered villages, remote monasteries, and rugged mountains creating perfect conditions for both supernatural beliefs and surprise attacks. This wild, dangerous setting becomes almost a character itself in Shakespeare's play.
Remember: The supernatural elements in Macbeth weren't just dramatic devices - they reflected genuine beliefs of the time.
Shakespeare wasn't just telling an old story - he was crafting entertainment specifically designed to appeal to King James I, who became king in 1603. James was obsessed with several topics that appear prominently in Macbeth: Scottish royal ancestry, the evil of regicide (killing kings), and witchcraft.
The timing was perfect because England had just experienced two shocking assassination attempts. The Gowrie Conspiracy (1600) nearly succeeded in murdering James, whilst the Gunpowder Plot (1605) planned to blow up the entire royal family and government. These real-world threats made Macbeth's themes feel urgently relevant to audiences.
Shakespeare even included a scene where witches show Macbeth a vision of future kings - a direct compliment to James's royal lineage stretching back to Banquo. The porter's jokes about equivocation referenced a recent treason trial that all of London was talking about.
King James had written his own book about witchcraft (Daemonologie, 1597) and personally attended witch trials. He genuinely believed witches had tried to sink his ship using supernatural storms - making Macbeth's weird sisters feel terrifyingly real to contemporary audiences.
Think About It: Every supernatural element and political theme in Macbeth connected directly to King James's personal interests and recent national traumas.
This summary is based on "The Historical Context of Macbeth" from EXPLORING Shakespeare (Gale, 2003). Understanding these historical connections helps explain why Macbeth remains such a powerful play - Shakespeare masterfully combined ancient Scottish history with contemporary political fears to create a thriller that spoke directly to his audience's deepest anxieties about power, murder, and supernatural forces.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Marni
@marni
Understanding the historical context behind Shakespeare's Macbeth makes the play far more gripping and meaningful. Written between 1605-1606 for King James I, the play draws on real Scottish history whilst reflecting the political tensions and fears of Shakespeare's own time.
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Ever wondered if Macbeth was a real person? He absolutely was, and his story is quite different from Shakespeare's version. Shakespeare primarily used Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles (1577) as his main source, but he cleverly mixed different historical accounts to create maximum dramatic impact.
The real Macbeth had a legitimate claim to the Scottish throne through Celtic tradition, which said the crown should alternate between family branches. When King Malcolm II died in 1034, he broke tradition by naming Duncan (his grandson) as heir instead of Macbeth (another grandson). Lady Macbeth (historically called Lady Gruoch) also had royal blood, being descended from two previous Scottish kings.
Unlike Shakespeare's version, the real Macbeth didn't sneak into Duncan's bedroom with a dagger. Instead, he raised an army, faced Duncan in open battle, and killed him in combat. Macbeth then ruled Scotland successfully for seventeen years - hardly the brief, guilt-ridden reign Shakespeare depicts.
Key Point: Shakespeare combined Macbeth's story with another tale about King Duff's murder to create the secretive, guilt-inducing assassination we see in the play.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Shakespeare set Macbeth in a Scotland that was constantly under threat, which perfectly matched the violent atmosphere he wanted to create. Medieval Scotland faced regular Viking raids from Norway and Denmark, with attackers using the Hebrides islands as bases - exactly where Shakespeare places some of his action.
Scottish culture during this period was deeply superstitious, with widespread belief in witchcraft and supernatural prophecies. Witches were seen as genuinely dangerous threats to social stability, with King Kenneth even decreeing that witches who summoned spirits should be burned alive. This wasn't just medieval hysteria - people genuinely believed witches could influence real events.
The landscape itself was harsh and isolated, with scattered villages, remote monasteries, and rugged mountains creating perfect conditions for both supernatural beliefs and surprise attacks. This wild, dangerous setting becomes almost a character itself in Shakespeare's play.
Remember: The supernatural elements in Macbeth weren't just dramatic devices - they reflected genuine beliefs of the time.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Shakespeare wasn't just telling an old story - he was crafting entertainment specifically designed to appeal to King James I, who became king in 1603. James was obsessed with several topics that appear prominently in Macbeth: Scottish royal ancestry, the evil of regicide (killing kings), and witchcraft.
The timing was perfect because England had just experienced two shocking assassination attempts. The Gowrie Conspiracy (1600) nearly succeeded in murdering James, whilst the Gunpowder Plot (1605) planned to blow up the entire royal family and government. These real-world threats made Macbeth's themes feel urgently relevant to audiences.
Shakespeare even included a scene where witches show Macbeth a vision of future kings - a direct compliment to James's royal lineage stretching back to Banquo. The porter's jokes about equivocation referenced a recent treason trial that all of London was talking about.
King James had written his own book about witchcraft (Daemonologie, 1597) and personally attended witch trials. He genuinely believed witches had tried to sink his ship using supernatural storms - making Macbeth's weird sisters feel terrifyingly real to contemporary audiences.
Think About It: Every supernatural element and political theme in Macbeth connected directly to King James's personal interests and recent national traumas.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This summary is based on "The Historical Context of Macbeth" from EXPLORING Shakespeare (Gale, 2003). Understanding these historical connections helps explain why Macbeth remains such a powerful play - Shakespeare masterfully combined ancient Scottish history with contemporary political fears to create a thriller that spoke directly to his audience's deepest anxieties about power, murder, and supernatural forces.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology