It was first published in the Folio of 1623, possibly from a prompt book, and is Shakespeare's shortest tragedy. Of all the plays that Shakespeare wrote during the reign of James I, Macbeth most clearly reflects his relationship with King James, patron of Shakespeare's acting company. It dramatises the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power. It is thought to have been first performed in 1606.
Macbeth ( / m ə k ˈ b ɛ θ/, full title The Tragedie of Macbeth) is a tragedy by William Shakespeare.
Depicted, counter-clockwise from top-left, are: Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches just after the murder of Duncan Banquo's ghost Macbeth duels Macduff and Macbeth. 1884 American production of Macbeth, starring Thomas W.
