Shakespeare would have written `Macbeth' in the knowledge that the subject matter would create great controversy. This is due to the nature of the way Macbeth comes to be king, in effect usurping the throne. Lady Macbeth was one of the driving forces behind Macbeth's actions, and thus much of the tragic outcome can be attributed to her.

Shakespeare would have had a Jacobean audience, in whose lives religion would have played an important role. This is why many of Lady Macbeth's actions would have seemed so shocking because they negate everything that a woman is meant to stand for. The audience would have had a firm belief in the Chain of Being; this being the belief that God is at the top of the hierarchy, followed by the King. Another common belief of the time was that of Divine Right; that the King is placed on earth...