Written. 1605-6 (?)
Published, in the first folio, 1623.
Source of the Plot. Raphael Holinshed tells the story of Macbeth at length in his Chronicle of Scottish History. He indicates the character of Lady Macbeth in one line.
When Shakespeare wrote the play, London was full of Scotchmen, brought thither by the accession of James I. Little details of the play may have been gathered in conversation.
The Fable. Macbeth, advised by witches that he is to be a king, is persuaded by his wife to kill his sovereign (King Duncan) and seize the crown. King Duncan, coming to Macbeth's castle for a night, is there killed by Macbeth and his lady. Duncan's sons fly to England. Macbeth causes himself to be proclaimed king.
Being king, he tries to assure himself of power by destroying the house of Banquo, of whom the witches prophesied that he should be the father of a line of kings. Banquo is killed; but his son escapes.
The witches warn Macbeth to beware of Macduff.
Macduff escapes to England, but his wife and children are killed by Macbeth's order.
Macduff persuades Duncan's son, Malcolm, to attempt the recovery of the Scottish crown.
Malcolm and Macduff make the attempt. They attack Macbeth and kill him.