| In Holinshed’s version Banquo… | was an accomplice in Duncan’s murder |
| England and Scotland are mentioned in the play because | it emphasised the renewed bond between them during James I’s reign |
| Shakespeare made Banquo a victim not a villain because | James I believed he was a descendant of Banquo’s |
| The real Lady Macbeth’s name was | Gruoch |
| The real Macbeth and Lady Macbeth were married for | 24 years |
| The real Macbeth’s reign lasted for | 17 years |
| As a leader, the real Macbeth was | strong and competent |
| The most powerful family in Fife in the medieval ages was | the Macduff clan |
| Who killed the real Macbeth? | Malcolm |
| The real Macbeth ruled in which century? | 11th centry |
| What historical text did Shakespeare use as inspiration for ‘Macbeth’? | Holinshed’s Chronicles |
| How were the witches in Holinshed’s Chronicles different from Shakespeare’s witches? | They were beautiful and youthful nymphs and fairies |
| How does Shakespeare portray Edward the Confessor (King of England)? | As the antithesis (opposite) of the corrupt Macbeth |
| When were Holinshed’s Chronicles published? | 1577 |
Holinshed’s Chronicles and Macbeth
August 29, 2019