Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland, (Holinshed's Chronicles)

Raphael Holinshed published his Chronicles in 1577; the second edition, published in 1587, was Shakespeare's primary reference work for most of his histories and many of his other plays, including Macbeth. The woodcut image above appears only in the 1577 edition—it is the only image in the edition that is not repeated elsewhere in the book. The other excerpts here are taken from the 1587 edition.—SG

New in 2007: the story of King Duffe's murder as related in Holinshed's Chronicles is now available in eight pdf's.

Holinshed, Raphael, d. 1580?
The first and second volumes of Chronicles comprising 1 The description and historie of England, 2 The description and historie of Ireland, 3 The description and historie of Scotland: first collected and published by Raphaell Holinshed, William Harrison, and others: now newlie augmented and continued (with manifold matters of singular note and worthie memorie) to the yeare 1586. by Iohn Hooker aliàs Vowell Gent and others. With conuenient tables at the end of these volumes., [[London] : Finished in Ianuarie 1587, and the 29 of the Queenes Maiesties reigne, with the full continuation of the former yeares, at the expenses of Iohn Harison, George Bishop, Rafe Newberie, Henrie Denham, and Thomas VVoodcocke. At London printed [by Henry Denham] in Aldersgate street at the signe of the Starre, [1587]]
STC 13569

Susan Gibson / Cumberland Valley High School / Mechanicsburg, PA / English

Once students have read 1.3 of Macbeth, show them the woodcut and tell them it is meant to be a representation of that moment in the play. What are their reactions? How is this image surprising? What did they expect to see? Then show students the Holinshed passage that Shakespeare used as his source for this moment. Have students keep track of all the different labels assigned to the weird sisters, and, if resources allow, have them research in the Oxford English Dictionary the histories of each of these labels.

For studying the text excerpts, assign different groups of students various excerpts from Holinshed, and have the students read their section looking for parallels and subtle differences between Holinshed's account and Shakespeare. Then, back in a large group setting, have each group share their findings. Collectively, students should discuss the common characteristics of Shakespeare's changes—elaboration, omission, alteration—and whether or not his changes add to the dramatic nature of the play.

Amy Krajeck / Webster Thomas High School / Rochester, NY / English

Have students "step into the slide" for the woodcut image of Macbeth, Banquo, and the weird sisters. Before reading the scene, show students the image and ask groups of five students to position themselves as the five characters in the woodcut. Then, ask them to make up a conversation that they think might be taking place at this moment.

Simon Rodberg / Cesar Chavez Public Charter School / Washington, DC / English

Have students read Holinshed's account of Macbeth and the weird sisters along with 1.2 of Macbeth. Then, ask them to write a "pre-history" of the play, justifying their account with reference to the play—including the relationships among Duncan, Macbeth, and Macduff, and also Macdonwald's rebellion.