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Upon Queen Elizabeth's death in 1603, King James of Scotland ascended to the English throne. Shortly thereafter, James extended his patronage to Shakespeare's company, elevating them to the status of the King's Men. Macbeth, in many respects, can be interpreted as a manifestation of Shakespeare's gratitude towards his new monarch and benefactor. Notably, King James could trace his lineage back to the historical figure Banquo. Shakespeare's modification of Banquo from the complicit character in Holinshed's Chronicles, who played a role in Duncan's murder but in "Macbeth" staunchly refused to participate in Duncan's assassination. This drama can be seen as a form of homage to King James' ancestral connection.

Key Facts of the tragedy Julius Caesar Author: William Shakespeare (life duration: 1564-1616) Full Title: The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Composing date: 1599 Published date: 1623 Literary Period: Renaissance Genre: Tragic drama; history play or political play Time setting: 44 B.C.E. Place setting: Rome and environs Climax: Brutus’s suicide Antagonist: Cassius Historical Context Gaius Julius Caesar, a historical figure, lived from 100 B.C.E. to March 15, 44 B.C.E. In 60 B.C.E., he formed a political alliance known as the First Triumvirate with Crassus and Pompey. Caesar's leadership in various wars expanded Rome's territory, reaching as far as Britain, ultimately sparking a civil war. His triumph resulted in being declared dictator for life, leading to his assassination and the subsequent rise of the Roman Empire. During Shakespeare's era, government censorship compelled writers to indirectly address contemporary politics. In 1599, Queen Elizabeth, aging and without heirs, raised concerns about potential political unrest or even civil war upon her death. It is likely that Shakespeare crafted Julius Caesar as a cautionary tale for ambitious British nobles who might seek power following Elizabeth's demise.