Macbeth by William Shakespeare | Summary and Analysis

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.