The tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare is a hyperbole based on real history, as the story is compared to real history there are many similarities and many differences. Macbeth was written between 1603 and 1607 but is commonly dated 1606. It was most likely written during the reign of James I, who was James VI of Scotland before becoming king of England. History Compared to Shakespeare's Macbeth. There are many variations and similarities between the true story of King Duncan I of Scotland and William Shakespeare's Macbeth. According to historians, Lady Macbeth did not help Macbeth in Duncan's murder. “Macbeth formed an alliance with his cousin, the Earl of Orkney, and together they defeated and killed Duncan near Forres in 1040” (Gate Keep Key). Yet, in the play Macbeth, Macbeth killed Duncan in his castle in Cawdor with the help of Lady Macbeth. “Oh, that sun will never see tomorrow! Your face, my lord, is like a book where men can read strange things. To deceive time, resemble time; bring welcome in your eyes, in your hand, in your tongue: look at the innocent flower, but be the serpent beneath it. We must provide for him who comes: and you will insert the great affairs of this night into my dispatch, which will give to all our nights and days to come an exclusively sovereign dominion and dominion” (I, v, 60-70). Shakespeare made many changes to the historical Macbeth to make the play more interesting. Macbeth was not troubled after Duncan took the kingdom. “Macbeth was not immediately hostile to the new king, but several years into Duncan's reign he gathered an army and openly opposed the monarch. Duncan led his forces against Macbeth and was killed in the ensuing battle” (West Iron). According to Shakespeare, Macbeth was immediately... at the center of the paper... bullshit." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Np, nd Web. November 14, 2013. ."MacBeth MacFindlaech." MacBeth MacFindlaech. Np, nd Web. November 14 2013. “Macbeth Study Guide: Witch Symbolism and Other Symbols.” Bright Hub Education. Np. Web. November 14, 2013. “Shakespeare's Macbeth.” Web. November 14. 2013. .