pression of the favorable aspects of Macbeth¡¯s early years as king, together with any suggestion that Macbeth had a legitimate grievevance against Duncan, a point Holinshed was careful to make. Lady Macbeth which I will take time to analyze reflects the sketchy pictures of both Donwald¡¯s wife and the real Macbeth¡¯s lady. Shakespeare¡¯s most significant deviation from Holinshed was his characterization of Banquo, whom he ennobled and ¡°purified¡±. In the history, Banquo was a major accomplice in the murder of Duncan. The best explanation for Shakespeare¡¯s favorable treatment of Banquo lies in the legend that Banquo was the ancestor of Walter Stewart, progenitor of the Stuart Dynasty and a director forebear of James I.
             People have very different understanding of Macbeth. Even though the text overtly invites
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