The tragedy of Macbeth is written by William Shakespeare. Shakespeare's works were collected and printed in various editions over the century following his death. Shakespeare's Macbeth shocked and captivated readers for nearly four hundred years. The Tragedy of Macbeth is not a complex play but is filled with intense and powerful scenes. The historical version and the playful version compare and contrast in many ways. The setting of the play in relation to that of historical times is similar. The play The Tragedy of Macbeth and the story of Macbeth in the story take place in different locations in Scotland. We are in the Middle Ages, precisely in the 11th century, from 1040 to 1057 (“Macbeth”). The characters in the play compared to the characters in the historical version differ, but are also similar. One of the characters is Macbeth. In the play, Macbeth is a Scottish nobleman and possesses a need for power. He becomes Thane of Glamis and Thane of Cawdor, but with the help of his wife, Lady Macbeth, he seizes the desire to become king of Scotland: “…I saw fit to deliver you, my dearest partner in greatness , that you could not lose the right to rejoice…” (Shakespeare 312; 11 9-11). Macbeth kills the King of Scotland, Duncan I, in his sleep: "I seemed to hear a voice crying: 'Sleep no more!' Macbeth actually kills sleep – innocent sleep, sleep that recreates the frayed strands of care, the death of everyday life…” (Shakespeare 323; 11 34-37). Macbeth then becomes King of Scotland after the death of King Duncan I. However, in the historical version, Macbeth becomes King of Scotland with the help of King Duncan I's other disgruntled nobles. Macbeth symbolizes the north..... . middle of paper ... finished. There are many comparisons and contrasts between the historical version and the play of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Shakespeare makes changes to the play to appeal to the audiences of his time. Macbeth depicts a tragedy full of action, betrayal, death and desire. The Tragedy of Macbeth is a play that is remembered by those who read it. Works Cited Columbia University, Press. “Macbeth.” Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th edition (2011): 1. Historical Reference Center. EBSCO. Internet. October 31, 2011. Enclycopaedia, Britannica. “Macbeth.” Britannica Biographies (2010): 1. Historical Reference Centre. EBSCO. Internet. October 31, 2011. “Macbeth.” (nd): Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia Web. October 31, 2011. Shakespeare, William. The tragedy of Macbeth. Elements of literature: sixth course. Ed. Richard Simé. Austin: Holt, Rinchart and Winston, 2000. pp.. 302-382.