The True History of "Macbeth"
Like many Shakespearean plays, “Macbeth” is based on historical facts that have been tweaked and manipulated accordingly to the purpose of his story. The characters of “Macbeth”, namely Macbeth, Banquo, Malcolm, and Duncan, were based on factual historical kings.
To better understand the importance of the characters, we must first look at WHO "Macbeth" was written for.
When "Macbeth" was written, the English monarch on the throne was King James I (also King James IV of Scotland). He was a theologian who ordered "a new translation of the Bible" known as the King James' Version ("James I"), as well as a patron of the arts. King James I "claimed ancestry from Banquo through the Stewart line of kings" ("Duncan and MacBeth").
Shakespeare rewrote the roles of the major characters of history to fit his play. Unlike Shakespeare's King Duncan, the historic King Duncan was "much weaker...and a terrible leader" ("Duncan and MacBeth"). The real Macbeth "killed Duncan...in battle, and made himself king" ("Macbeth"). Despite his usurping of the throne, Macbeth had a "respectable" claim to the throne through from his mother's bloodline. During his rule, he led a peaceful reign and was "known for his generosity to the Church". Seven years later, Macbeth was killed by Malcolm Canmore, Duncan's eldest son.
According to history, the historic Banquo and Macbeth were soldiers in arms, and friends. Banquo is believed to have conspired with Macbeth to overthrow King Duncan. There is debate regarding whether or not Banquo was a real person in history, but Banquo's limited role in "Macbeth" leaves no room for debate: implying the king's cousin was responsible for the previous king's death was off limits.
To better understand the importance of the characters, we must first look at WHO "Macbeth" was written for.
When "Macbeth" was written, the English monarch on the throne was King James I (also King James IV of Scotland). He was a theologian who ordered "a new translation of the Bible" known as the King James' Version ("James I"), as well as a patron of the arts. King James I "claimed ancestry from Banquo through the Stewart line of kings" ("Duncan and MacBeth").
Shakespeare rewrote the roles of the major characters of history to fit his play. Unlike Shakespeare's King Duncan, the historic King Duncan was "much weaker...and a terrible leader" ("Duncan and MacBeth"). The real Macbeth "killed Duncan...in battle, and made himself king" ("Macbeth"). Despite his usurping of the throne, Macbeth had a "respectable" claim to the throne through from his mother's bloodline. During his rule, he led a peaceful reign and was "known for his generosity to the Church". Seven years later, Macbeth was killed by Malcolm Canmore, Duncan's eldest son.
According to history, the historic Banquo and Macbeth were soldiers in arms, and friends. Banquo is believed to have conspired with Macbeth to overthrow King Duncan. There is debate regarding whether or not Banquo was a real person in history, but Banquo's limited role in "Macbeth" leaves no room for debate: implying the king's cousin was responsible for the previous king's death was off limits.