Introduction
The character Macbeth, from one of William Shakespeare’s most renowned tragedies, is based on the historical figure Macbeth of Scotland from Raphael Holinshed’s Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland. While both texts portray the same character, their depictions vary greatly, providing different perspectives on Macbeth’s personality, motivations, and morality.
Shakespearean Macbeth
In Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth is portrayed as a tragic hero who succumbs to his ambitions and the manipulative influence of his wife, Lady Macbeth. He starts as a brave and loyal thane to King Duncan, but his encounter with the three witches and their prophecy of his future kingship ignites his dormant ambition. This ambition eventually leads him to commit regicide, an act that starts his descent into madness and tyrannical rule. His guilt and paranoia generate a violent reign that culminates in his downfall (Haynes). Thus, Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a complex character who embodies ambition, guilt, and the destructive consequences of unchecked power.
Macbeth in Holinshed’s Chronicles
Contrastingly, Holinshed’s Chronicles offers a more favorable depiction of Macbeth. In this historical account, Macbeth is portrayed as a strong and just ruler whose reign brought prosperity to Scotland. Macbeth ascends to the throne not solely through murder but also due to legitimate claim, as King Duncan’s rule was perceived as ineffective and weak. While he does kill Duncan, it is not out of personal ambition but rather a perceived necessity for the good of the kingdom (Hudson). A descent into madness or tyranny does not follow this act; instead, Macbeth’s rule is marked by lawfulness and fairness.
Comparison
The contrast between these two depictions lies in their purpose. Shakespeare’s Macbeth serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of ambition and moral corruption. At the same time, Holinshed’s Macbeth is a historical account that attempts to provide an unbiased perspective of his rule. Shakespeare uses Macbeth to explore the human condition, delving into themes of ambition, guilt, and power. Holinshed, on the other hand, presents Macbeth as a historical figure, highlighting his successful reign and the prosperity it brought to Scotland.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the depiction of Macbeth in Shakespeare’s play and Holinshed’s Chronicles varies significantly, demonstrating the flexible interpretation of historical figures. Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a tragic hero destroyed by his ambition, while Holinshed’s Macbeth is a victorious king who ruled with justice and strength. These differences underscore the power of storytelling and historical interpretation in shaping our understanding of historical figures.
Works Cited
Haynes, Stephen. Macbeth. Scribo, 2022.
Hudson, Benjamin. “Macbeth before Shakespeare.” Oxford University Press eBooks, 2022. Web.