1. Holinshed's Chronicles: Shakespeare's primary source for Macbeth is believed to be Raphael Holinshed's "Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland," first published in 1577. Holinshed's account provides historical details about Scottish rulers, including King Macbeth and King Duncan. Holinshed's work offered Shakespeare a narrative framework and characters he could adapt and develop for his play.
2. Scottish History and Legends: Shakespeare incorporated elements from Scottish legends, folklore, and historical events into his play. The story of Macbeth's rise and fall is loosely based on the life of the 11th-century Scottish king named Macbeth, who ruled from 1040 to 1057. Other elements, such as the appearance of the witches and prophecies, were influenced by Scottish folk traditions and beliefs in supernatural forces.
3. Elizabethan Politics: Shakespeare's time was marked by political intrigue, conspiracies, and power struggles, which reflected the themes and events in Macbeth. The play's exploration of ambition, guilt, and the quest for power may have drawn inspiration from the prevailing political atmosphere and concerns in Elizabethan England.
4. Seneca's Tragedies: Shakespeare was influenced by classical literature, including the tragedies of Roman playwright Seneca. The style, tone, and certain elements in Macbeth, such as the use of ghosts, supernatural apparitions, and the protagonist's tragic fate, show influences from Senecan tragedies.
5. The Globe Theatre and Audience: As a playwright for the Globe Theatre, Shakespeare was mindful of the tastes and expectations of his theater-going audience. The inclusion of supernatural elements, dramatic language, and scenes of violence appealed to the popular theatrical conventions of the time.
It's worth noting that while these are significant influences, Shakespeare skillfully adapted and transformed these sources to create a unique and enduring work of literature that transcends its historical context.