Question

What did Shakespeare add to Macbeth to please king James 1

Answer 1

When he wrote it, he added Scottish elements to the play.  Apart from being set in Scotland, the two-fold balls and the treble scepters refers to James’ double coronation that took place at Scone and Westminster.  In the play, the two balls symbolize King James’ double insignia that he wore to show his reign over England and Scotland.  The treble scepters were symbols for the kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland.  Another symbol is Malcolm’s citation of the scrofula.  This was attributed to James’ belief that his touch could cure.  This was said to have come from Edward the Confessor.  James was a patron of Shakespeare’s plays and Shakespeare added these elements to the play to show his appreciate for the King’s support of his theater company.

Answer 2

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.