Similarities Between Macbeth 'And' Holinshed's Chronicles

Throughout time people have studied multiple plays and dramas by Shakespeare and many have concluded that most of the events that take place in his works he took from Holinshed’s Chronicles, changed them and began the dramatic and famous play of Macbeth. Although both works are similar, there are various differences between the two that distinguish one from the other like the Weird Sisters, Banquo and Supernatural events.

The first compare/contrast of Macbeth vs Holinshed’s Chronicles are the characters of the Weird Sisters. Shakespeare introduces them as ugly, creepy sisters. One of the first descriptions of the sisters is from Banquo. “What are these, So wither’d and so wild in their attire, That look not like th’ inhabitants o’ th’ earth, And yet are on’t? Live you? or are you aught That man may …show more content…
For instance, Macbeth kills King Duncan, Macbeth becomes morally corrupt, and the concept of unnatural and supernatural beings existing throughout both. In both dramas the concept of witches and fairies are present. Although witches and fairies are vastly different creatures they both possess magical powers and the ability to see into the future. Also they hold the extreme ends of beauty. Witches are known to be quite ugly and are usually called ‘hags’ while fairies are a youthful beautiful and goddess-like. Although these few comparisons are not specific, it is reasonable to assume that Shakespeare changed the historical events so he was not copying someone else’s work but also so his play had more drama to it. Shakespeare is known for leaving his audience in suspense and not thoroughly explaining every plot detail. He did that so everyone would question motives, people's actions and why an event just occurred. Shakespeare changed the events of the Chronicles so his play Macbeth would be more thought provoking and dramatic then a slew of historical