The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare is a hyperbole based on the real story because when the story is compared to the real story there are many similarities and many differences. Macbeth was written between 1603 and 1607, but is generally dated to 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 real-life story of King Duncan I of Scotland and William Shakespeare's Macbeth. According to historians, Lady Macbeth did not help Macbeth in the murder of Duncan. “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). However, in the drama Macbeth, Macbeth kills Duncan in his castle of Cawdor with the help of Lady Macbeth. “Oh, tomorrow’s sun will never see!” Your face, my Thane, is like a book where men can read strange things. To deceive time, To resemble time; welcome yourself in your eyes, in your hand, in your tongue: look at the innocent flower, but be the serpent beneath it. It is necessary to provide for him who comes: and you will put the great affairs of this night in my dispatch which will give to all our nights and days to come only sovereign dominion and mastery” (I, v, 60-70). Shakespeare made many changes to the historical Macbeth in order to make the drama more interesting. Macbeth was not upset after Duncan took the reign. “Macbeth was not immediately hostile to the new king, but several years into Duncan's reign he raised an army and openly opposed the monarch. Duncan led his own forces against Macbeth and was killed in the ensuing battle” (West Iron). According to Shakespeare, Macbeth was immediate... middle of paper ......BS." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Np, nd Web. November 14, 2013. "MacBeth MacFindlaech." MacBeth MacFindlaech. Np, nd Web. November 14, 2013. "Macbeth Study Guide: Witches and Other Symbolism." Bright Hub Education November 14, 2013. "'Macbeth' Witches About.com Shakespeare. Np, nd Web. November 14, 2013. “Shakespeare’s Macbeth.” Shakespeare's Macbeth, nd Web. November 14, 2013. .Thomson, Gale. “The historical context of Macbeth”. February 2007. Web November 14.. 2013. .