Macbeth" relates the story of
someone who overthrows the King of Scotland by killing him. This is
similar to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when there was an attempt made by
a group of rebel Catholics to kill King James I and blow up the
parliament. In addition, the mention of the witches in Shakespeare's
tragedy coincides with James' enthusiasm with the subject of witches.
Another
important aspect of "Macbeth" is that it is the only Shakespearean play
that is set in Scotland. This helped to legitimize King James' rightful
succession to the throne of England, as he was the son of Mary Queen of
Scots.
