King James Influence On Macbeth

After reading a story spun as wildly as the likes of Macbeth, you have to wonder where William Shakespeare received the majority of his inspiration for it. That answer lies with the then-current time periods reigning monarch of England, King James Stuart I. Shakespeare was, quite possibly, one James’ biggest fans, attributing one of the singular most significant driving forces in the play (also known as The Witches) to him. There are, of course, numerous other, much subtler instances of the playwrights devotion to his country's ruler, such as helping solidify the legitimacy of his dual thrones, renaming his acting troupe in his honor, and even giving one of James’ ancestors a lead part, as well as many others.

The first form of flattery

The monarch was known for his interest in witches and witch hunts, even writing a small series of three books titled ‘Daemonologie’, published in 1597, it detailed various magical arts, rituals, the purposes of these practices and even included written accounts from ‘real’ confessed witches (Sharrett). This book was thought to be most likely where Shakespeare got the majority of his own inspiration from for the sorceresses and their spellcasting that took place in Macbeth, another small inclusion that would have no doubt pleased the King greatly

Foremost, Banquo’s character itself was portrayed in an extremely positive light; he was a friendly, honest and, in general, a very likable role. But what is his relation to James? Well, in correlation to the play, during the scene when the witches are prophesying Macbeth and Banquo’s futures, we see eight apparitions enter the stage, the eighth carrying a mirror. They are to represent how many generations will pass until Banquo’s children become King (Macbeth 1.3). The aforementioned mirror was meant to be pointed out at the audience and show the reflection of King James, who as you can guess, was a fan and regularly attended the play. Referencing one of my earlier points, Shakespeare is assisting in the solidification of the legitimization of James’ claim to his dual thrones. This is declaring that his kingship was literally meant to be, that him as King was always how it was meant to play