possibly by force, since King Duncane had basicallystripped him of his claim to the throne.Macbeths letter also tells of his victory, the encounter with the witches, and theirprediction of his new title, the Thane of Cawdor, which he has already attained, as well as theirprediction of his ascension to the throne. Lady Macbeth is excited by the news, saying that herhusband shall become king as prophesied, but expressing some concern. When Macbeth arrives,his wife explains to him her plan to kill the King while he sleeps as a guest in their home.Holinsheds (pg. 170-171) Lady Makbeth is also ambitious and passionately desiresthe title of Queen. The witches prophecies along with his wifes encouragement convincesMakbeth to murder the royal obstacle and claim his right to the throne. Shakespeare differshere by using Donwalds tale of regicide (pg. 150-151). Donwald, also convinced in part byhis wife, has his King killed during the night, while he sleeps. Conversely, Makbeth, withthe support of Banquho among others, kills the presiding King with honor, in open battle.He then declares his right to the throne and with common consent, is crowned King ofScotland, in the customary manner in a coronation at Scone (pg. 171).Lady Macbeth then explains her plan of getting Duncan's chamber guards drunk, killinghim with the guards daggers while they sleep, and then, acting surprised and outraged, blamingthem for the Kings murder. After committing the murder, Macbeth returns to his room, his handscovered in blood. Macbeth claims that he heard a voice saying "Sleep no more! Macbeth doesmurder sleep(II, ii, 34-35).In Holinsheds Donwald and his wife dine with the Kings guards, getting them soinebriated and keeping them up so late that once asleep, they could not be awakened even ifthey were moved. Shakespeare deviates here once again in that Donwald bribed his ownmen to kill the King, while he took lookout, and remained with them for the rest of thenight (pg...
