Although Shakespeare does not follow exactly the historical line, most of his characters and actions are closely linked with the historical realities. The article briefly goes through a description of the Scottish life and Scotland at the time of King Macbeth, as they are also reflected in the play. Besides raides from the Vikings from Norway and Denmark, medieval Scotland is also dominated by a belief in witches (which appear in the play) and the unnatural. However, the author points out that authorities took drastic measures against witchcraft.

Finally, the article includes a presentation on England in the time the play was written, namely during the time of James I, with a description of historical events (the Gunpowder Plot and the Gowrie Conspiracy among these) and general traits of those times.

Gurewitsch, Matthew. "This Time, No Laughing at the Witches.(Arts and Leisure Desk)(MUSIC)." The New York Times. 157. 54104 (Oct 21, 2007): 30(L). Student Resource Center - Gold. Thomson Gale. SMITHSON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL. 1 Nov. 2007

The article, published in the New York Times, refers to the opera by Verdi, composed having as basis Shakespeare's play. I have chosen this article because it present Verdi's opera as having a very different perspective from Shakespeare's play. While the playwright...

Indeed, the director had his own vision of the supernatural, with an orange moon, for example, as well as fairies in toe shoes and not very frightening witches. As pointed out by the director, this came to meet the need of individuals for a laughing chill, a fright that not only scares you, but also amuses in some way. A very interesting perspective on the play.
Bibliography

Overview of Macbeth." EXPLORING Shakespeare. Online ed. Detroit: Gale, 2003. Student Resource Center - Gold. Thomson Gale. SMITHSON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL. 1 Nov. 2007

The Historical Context of Macbeth." EXPLORING Shakespeare. Online ed. Detroit: Gale, 2003. Student Resource Center - Gold. Thomson Gale. SMITHSON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL. 1 Nov. 2007

Gurewitsch, Matthew. "This Time, No Laughing at the Witches.(Arts and Leisure Desk)(MUSIC)." The New York Times. 157. 54104 (Oct 21, 2007): 30(L). Student Resource Center - Gold. Thomson Gale.…