essay on kingship macbeth

Mr Salles Teaches English

Kingship in Macbeth

(a grade 8 essay, improved to grade 9).

Hi again Mr Salles - I hope you are well,

Here is an essay I have written on the theme of kingship, tyranny and natural order.

If you have a spare few minutes, please let me know what mark this would get and how I can improve it to get full marks :)

Shakespeare cleverly crafts the themes of kingship/tyranny/natural order through the devolution of Macbeth. By contrasting morality and corruption within Macbeth and Banquo, Shakespeare cautions against ambition and associates it with the supernatural - a very disturbing idea for the contemporary audience, contributing to Shakespeare’s overall purpose of trying to flatter King James I and warn the nobility against rebellion.

Shakespeare constructs Banquo as a foil to Macbeth by illustrating their contrasting reactions to the same evil force - the supernatural and temptation. Banquo represents the route that Macbeth chose not to take: the path where ambition does not lead to betrayal and murder. Thus, it is Banquo’s ghost, rather than Duncan’s, that haunts Macbeth and conveys to the contemporary audience that restraint will lead to a fruition of power as Banquo’s lineage stays on the throne for the longest.

The witches’ equivocation: “ Lesser than Macbeth, and greater ” paradoxically suggests the drastic difference between Banquo and Macbeth, foreshadowing character development as the witches' prophecies come true. Banquo will never be king, but he does father a line of kings. Macbeth, on the other hand, will become the King of Scotland which is commendable in terms of the Divine Order; Macbeth’s reign of power will be one of selfishness and greed as he fulfils his cruel desire for power, eliminating all obstacles that stand in the way of his kingship.

As a result, Macbeth holds the shorter end of the stick in this paradox, facing paranoia, insomnia, guilt, and a tragic demise, therefore proving its accuracy. Here, Shakespeare is flattering King James I, as he was descendant of Banquo and Fleance, in order to gain his trust and potentially patronage for his theatre. This also helps Shakespeare later in the play when he subtly warns James I not to be repressive and tyrannical in his rule.

Shakespeare ensures Banquo isn’t perfect as he is tempted on some level by the Witches’ prophecy, but his ability to reject evil is what makes him a moral character and an antithesis to Macbeth. He is less able to resist temptation when he sleeps “ I dream’d of the three weird sisters last night ”, but instead of trying to hide this, he confesses to God and asks for help in remaining moral and virtuous.

This references the Bible as Jesus was tempted three times by the devil and resisted: perhaps Shakespeare is attempting to draw parallels between Banquo and Jesus which would have been largely impactful to a Christian contemporary audience, further warning about the devastating consequences of temptation and tyranny by contrasting this with the holy and biblical ideas associated with resistance to temptation and ambition.

Shakespeare demonstrates how the acquisition of power invokes an irreversible change in character, subverting the audience’s expectations as he implies that a person’s poor qualities are amplified by the crown and personal desire - Macbeth becomes paranoid.

In the beginning of the play, Macbeth is conveyed as the epitome of a loyal and quintessential Scottish soldier when the captain recalls Macbeth’s noble actions as he “ carv’d the passage ” of the traitor Macdonwald. Specifically, the emotive verb “ carv’d ” carries strong connotations of combative expertise and nobility. Alternatively, it could allude to him carving his name famously in the beginning of the play and eventually notoriously at the end of the play, foreshadowing his drastic moral decline. The stark contrast between Macbeth murdering an enemy of the king (which would be seen as an enemy to God due to the Divine Right of Kings believed by the contemporary audience) and when he commits regicide - the ultimate sin.

Shakespeare explores the consequences of usurpation - for the nation it is a nightmare; an illegitimate king can only become a tyrant, using ever greater acts of violence to maintain his rule. However, Shakespeare is careful to emphasise how the tyrant himself suffers at his own hands - violence traumatises the violent person as well as the victims. Macbeth ‘ fixed [Macdonwald’s] head upon our battlements ’. The head is symbolic as a motif of Macbeth’s declining heroism. First he is at his moral peak as he beheads the King’s enemy, effectively God’s enemy in the eyes of the contemporary audience, then after having his moral endurance tested in the form of ‘ supernatural soliciting ’ he goes out to commit regicide, losing all virtue. Finally, Shakespeare uses this motif to highlight the negative consequences to his audience as the ‘head’ foreshadows Macbeth’s later disgrace as his own head becomes described as ‘ the usurper’s cursed head’ that is reminiscent of his previous morality before he was corrupted by ambition and the witches’ prophecies.

Supernatural

Shakespeare forces his audience to question whether the unlawful act of treason has a supernatural urge, whether there are malign witches and demonic forces working against the moral bonds of mankind. Macbeth’s growing inclination towards ‘supernatural soliciting’ leaves him in a perplexed self-questioning state " why hath it given me earnestness of success/commencing in a truth ?” Linguistically, the sibilance of ‘ supernatural soliciting’ is deliberately used by Shakespeare to raise his audience’s alarm, given the satanic connotations and reference to devastating sorcery in the form of ‘soliciting’.

Likewise, Macbeth’s rhetorical question is used by Shakespeare to create a self-doubting, unstable and malevolent fallacy created by the engagement with the ‘agents of the dark’.

This repeated motif of the supernatural was especially significant to a contemporary Christian audience as witches were believed to be women who made a pact with the Devil, but it also would have especially attracted the interests of King James I - Macbeth was first performed to him and his courtiers. James I hated witchcraft and wrote Daemonologie - a book about the supernatural. Here, Shakespeare is flattering the king by incorporating his interests into his play and is also warning the nobility who were unhappy with James as king at the time by suggesting their desire to overthrow James I was manipulated into existence by the supernatural and witches.

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This is a very ambitious title – normally you would have just kingship or tyranny set as the question. And then you are going to make it even more ambitious by introducing the supernatural!

This has led to a very convoluted thesis – having at least 3 ideas is excellent, but it has to make sense. You could simplify this:

Shakespeare contrasts the characters of Macbeth and Banquo to caution against ambition. Unchecked ambition is associated with the supernatural, which allows Shakespeare characterise ambition as inherently evil. Macbeth becomes a tyrannical king because he welcomes “supernatural soliciting.” The focus on the supernatural also contributes to Shakespeare’s overall purpose of trying to flatter King James I and warn the nobility against rebellion.

Notice how I have structured this differently in order to make one point at a time.

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The theme of kingship in ‘Macbeth’

Firstly visit the following helpful link to refresh your memory of key contextual factors around kingship in Shakespeare’s time:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/higher/english/macbeth/background/revision/1/

Kingship may well rear its head in the Macbeth question on Tuesday. If this occurs don’t panic, simply read over these helpful notes before your exam:

It could be good to start your essay with  an introduction including some context as a basis for your essay (and the basis of the whole play) based on the political climate of the time.

This is just a guide as to what you COULD say in your essay – please use these ideas to further your own. Point One: the ideal king: •Act One ‘valiant cousin’ =  premodifying adjective used by Duncan in act 1 scene two to elevate his soldiers, he treats both Macbeth ans Banquo as equals, he does not discriminate between those deserving of his praise.  ‘worthy’ = praises his men/ gratitude – rewards Macbeth’s bravery; he is a benevolent and fair king, the epitome of key virtues associated with a well liked monarch. Duncan also admits his own misplaced judgement in the Thane of Cawdor – he is human. Macbeth is emotionally conflicted in a long soliloquy in act 1 scene 7 as he deliberates whether to complete the act of regicide: ‘We will proceed no further in this business./He hath honored me of late’…’Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office, that his virtues Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued’. Here he believes his death is against god’s will, against the divide right of kings and the chain of being. If ‘angels’ will ‘plead’ (a verb of desperation for someone deeply invested in that which they seek to save) then Duncan must be highly valuable as a monarch.

In act 1 scene 6 Duncan is a greatful guest and compliments Lady Macbeth’s abilities to host:’our honored hostess!’ And later ‘Give me your hand. Conduct me to mine host. We love him highly’. His language is highly emotive and complimentary. He treats all of his subjects irrespective of gender with care and tenderness. Act Five – another form of favourable kingship at the close of the play as order is restored: Malcom portrays many similar qualities to his father – rewarding and praising friends for loyalty and bravery – he unites the country (see final speech) could also refer to Malcom’s testing of Macduff’s loyalty – interesting for discussion of what being a good king is.

Shakespeare’s intentions in displaying correct kingship? To create a contrast that accentuates the wickedness of The Macbeth’s acts, as well as the horror of a tyrannical king. Praise to King James – draws attention to the more flattering qualities of kingship, while behaviour of Macbeth and subsequent consequences are a warning…

When Macbeth is crowned in act 2 a change in his language reflects his new position as a king- hints of what kind of king he will be: • Use of the royal “we” – superiority. • Strong verse rhythm – confidence and power. • Banquo’s change in language – “your highness”, “my good lord.” • Imperatives and interrogation. • Dramatic irony and deceitful nature – ‘our bloody cousins’ (purposefully lays blame on Duncan’s innocent sons for his own self preservation) • Macbeth’s public confidence is immediately contrasted with his self-doubt and insecurity left alone on stage as he knows the fullness of the crime he has committed. Macbeth’s transformation in to a tyrant and subsequent demise demonstrates the repercussions of a corrupt ruler/ a usurper.

Hiring murders to kill his friend – transformed from great warrior to weak.

Corruption of his mind – “full of scorpions”/haunted by guilt and fear. Scotland is suffering under his rule, “a country afraid to know itself”- loss of identity violent sorrow is common place. A corrupt king makes a country ill. His soldiers have no love for him, “those he commands, move only in revolt.’ Act 5, scene 2. Many desert him near the end of the battle – direct contrast to the battle at the beginning of the play.

In summary:

Macbeth unlawfully seizes the throne by murdering Duncan. He demonstrates the traits that go against the divine right and God, as he takes counsel from the three witches. In this way, kingship in “Macbeth” is shown as something that is divinely appointed by contrasting the way Macbeth takes over the throne and the other kingly figures in the play such as Duncan and Macduff.

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The Theme of Kingship in Macbeth

Daniel Paul

In Shakespeare’s time a King was considered to be god’s representative on earth. He was looked upon as equal to god. Shakespeare’s ideas towards kingship can be seen throughout the play. He shows that a king should be chosen by divine right and shows the character and attributes of what is takes to be a good king.

Macbeth is the main character in the play and starts the play as a very brave, fierce and loyal warrior. His bravery has just led the way to a great victory over the Norwegians. He was a hero. But soon his ambitions overpower his good qualities and becomes ‘this tyrant’, this ‘dwarfish thief’ and this ‘hellhound’.

He is degraded from ‘Bellona’s bridegroom’ to ‘this dead butcher’. He allows the witches’ prophecy to determine his steps, which finally lead him to destruction. I believe that Macbeth could have been a worthy king if he did not let his ambition and greed take control. If fate had made him king, he could have been a noble king for Scotland.

King Duncan

We first meet Duncan behind the battle fields of two battles (against the rebel MacDonwald and an invading Norwegian army) waiting anxiously for any news. From this time until his brutal murder, he is presented as a noble King of Scotland. Duncan is pictured as the perfect, impartial king in the play. Shakespeare shows Duncan to be an example to others. Duncan’s love for his country is one of the main qualities of Duncan. We can see this when he eagerly seeks for any news from the captain who has returned from the front lines.

When Duncan hears of Macbeth’s bravery in battle, he rewards Macbeth for his heroism by naming him the Thane of Cawdor while punishing disloyalty of the treacherous previous Thane of Cawdor by having him hanged. Duncan also vows that his royal blessings will continue to fall on Macbeth. Here we see the king executing his power righteously by rewarding who are loyal and punishing disloyalty.

Duncan acts responsibly in naming an heir to his throne – his son Malcolm. He did this so that the line of ascension to the throne is clear and that Scotland will remain politically stable. Duncan was preventing the very political chaos that resulted when Macbeth murdered him.

Unfortunately Duncan is too trusting and dependent of his Thanes. As the King, he does not lead his men into battle directly, but heavily relies on his Thanes to act on his behalf. He is a very poor jude of character. He completely misjudges Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as loyal friends while they were plotting his downfall.

Even Macbeth recognised the noble character of the King before murdering him in his sleep. Macbeth speaks of Duncan’s goodness and loyal nature and considered the consequences of his death. He states that even the angels will mourn for Duncan and that “tears shall drown the wind” when he dies.

King Edward of England

King Edward of England is least mentioned in the play, but we still see a lot of his good character. We see that he is a good, loyal king, who is unwilling to see others suffer. In act 4, a doctor comments on how ill people are cured on King Edward’s touch. Malcolm then after comments it is “a most miraculous work in this good king.”

He is a good and caring king who chooses to help Malcolm and Macduff in their problems. He generously provides them with the army force that need to win their battle. From this we can also conclude that he is a friendly king towards his neighbour countries. Always seeking peace and not violence and trying to conquer new land for his own kingdom.

Malcolm who is the rightful heir to the throne of Scotland appears to a worthy king. We learn of his character mostly in his conversation with Macduff. Malcolm foresees the future of Scotland and unlike Macbeth, we see Malcolm acting after giving serious thoughts to his actions. He humbles himself before Macduff by calling himself unworthy to be king and that Macbeth might be a better fit for the title. “black Macbeth will seem as pure as snow”.

As a reader, it is obvious to see that Malcolm will be a good king as he does not force his right to be king, but patiently waits for God to set things right and to make everything for his good. Also in the end of the play, Malcolm’s last words of the play is similar to Duncan’s speech when he was king, following Duncan’s footsteps and in the path of restoring Scotland to its former glory.

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How Is Kingship Presented In Macbeth?

William Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, Macbeth, delves deep into the theme of kingship, exploring the consequences of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power. For GCSE English Literature students, analyzing the presentation of kingship in Macbeth offers a rich opportunity to dissect Shakespeare's intricate characters, narrative, and language. In this blog post, we will examine how kingship is portrayed in the play and its significance within the broader context of the story.

Kingship as a Divine Right

At the heart of Macbeth lies the concept of divine right kingship, which was the prevailing ideology during Shakespeare's time. In the opening scenes of the play, Duncan is portrayed as a virtuous and just king, chosen by divine providence to rule. This portrayal of Duncan as a godly figure establishes the traditional belief that the king's authority is a direct blessing from God, and anyone who challenges it is committing a grave sin. The contrast between Duncan's benevolent rule and Macbeth's subsequent tyrannical reign highlights the disastrous consequences of usurping the throne.

Ambition and the Corruption of Kingship

The character of Macbeth, driven by his unchecked ambition, serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power. As the play unfolds, Macbeth's ambition pushes him to commit regicide, the ultimate act of treason against the divine order. This action shatters the sacred bond between kingship and divinity, plunging Scotland into chaos and disorder. Macbeth's obsession with maintaining his throne leads to a reign characterized by brutality, paranoia, and moral decay, illustrating how ambition can corrupt even the most virtuous of leaders.

The Downfall of Macbeth and the Restoration of Order

Macbeth's downfall, ultimately, serves as a narrative tool to reestablish the rightful order of kingship. In the end, Macbeth is defeated, and Duncan's son, Malcolm, is restored to the throne. This restoration is symbolic of the return to the divine order and the reestablishment of a just and virtuous king. The contrast between Macbeth's reign and Malcolm's rule underscores the importance of a rightful king in maintaining stability and harmony within a kingdom.

The Role of the Witches

The witches in Macbeth play a pivotal role in challenging the traditional concept of kingship. They introduce the idea that "fair is foul, and foul is fair," which blurs the lines between good and evil. The prophecies they provide to Macbeth and Banquo ignite Macbeth's ambition and set him on a path to usurp the throne. This raises questions about the legitimacy of kingship based on divine right and the idea that one's destiny is preordained. The witches' influence serves as a commentary on the unpredictability and capriciousness of fate, challenging the traditional notions of kingship and destiny.

Macbeth's Tragic Flaw

In classical tragedy, the protagonist often possesses a tragic flaw that leads to their downfall. In Macbeth, this flaw is Macbeth's unchecked ambition. His insatiable desire for power blinds him to the consequences of his actions, leading to his ultimate demise. This tragic flaw serves as a cautionary lesson about the dangers of unbridled ambition and its potential to corrupt even the most noble individuals.

In Macbeth, Shakespeare presents a complex and multifaceted portrayal of kingship that challenges the traditional beliefs of divine right and explores the corrupting influence of ambition. Through the characters of Duncan, Macbeth, Malcolm, and the witches, the play delves deep into the themes of power, ambition, and the consequences of violating the natural order. For GCSE English Literature students, Macbeth provides a rich tapestry of characters and themes to analyze and dissect, making it a timeless and essential text in the study of literature.

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Virtue, Trust, and Chaos in Macbeth's Kingdoms

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Introduction

Duncan's reign.

Macbeth's Tyranny

Edward the confessor's virtue, malcolm's restoration.

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Kingship in Macbeth

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Kingship In Macbeth Essay

Kingship is a prevalent theme in Macbeth, one of William Shakespeares most well-known plays. Macbeth, the titular character, is thrust into the role of king after Duncan, his predecessor, is murdered. Macbeth is quickly overwhelmed by the responsibility of being king and this inexperience leads to him making a number of poor decisions.

For example, Macbeth murders people who he believes are a threat to his throne, without considering the consequences that his actions might have. Additionally, Macbeths obsession with holding on to power causes him to neglect his duties as king, which ultimately leads to his downfall. Overall, Macbeth highlights the importance of having a competent king who is capable of making wise decisions for the benefit of his people.

One of Macbeths main motivations for wanting to become king is his desire for power. Macbeth believes that being king will give him absolute control over everything and everyone. However, Macbeth quickly learns that being king is not as easy as he thought it would be.

He is constantly at war with other countries, dealing with internal conflict among his own people, and struggling to keep control of his subjects. Additionally, Macbeth has to make a number of difficult decisions that can impact the lives of thousands of people. This ultimately proves to be too much for Macbeth and causes him to lose grip on reality.

While Macbeth is not a perfect king, he does make some attempts to improve the lives of his people. For example, Macbeth tries to provide for his subjects by creating jobs and increasing food production. He also tries to keep the peace in Scotland by making sure that there is order and justice. However, Macbeths main focus is always on retaining power and this often comes at the expense of his people.

When news of the Norwegians’ victory comes through, Scotland is at war with them. Macbeth and Banquo are acknowledged as the army’s two leaders, and when they return home, they discover some old hags. They foretell Macbeth’s future to him after he and his partner Banquo meet some ancient crones on their journey home. Under Macbeth’s command, Scotland becomes a nation of conflict due to his evil leadership.

Macbeth murders Macduff’s family, and Macduff kills Macbeth in turn. Kingship is a very important theme in Macbeth because Macbeth’s position as King directly affects the outcome of the play. Macbeth murders people to keep his throne, and his reign is full of terror and violence. Macduff represents the hope for a better future under a different king, and Macbeth kills him and his family in order to maintain power. Ultimately, Macbeth’s reign falls apart and he is killed because of his thirst for power.

While Macbeth’s kingship is full of terror, Duncan’s kingship is based on respect and order. Macbeth feels that he needs to murder Duncan in order to maintain power, but this ultimately leads to his downfall. Duncan represents a good king who is respected by his people, and Macbeth’s lack of respect for him leads to his own demise.

Macbeth murders his closest friend and another family, causing Tyranny and paranoia to take hold in him. Scotland is greatly harmed during his reign, which drives Lady Macbeth insane, and she eventually takes her own life. Macduff goes to England to seek assistance from King Edward the Noble, who is well-known for his assistance in ousting Macbeth’s regime, resulting in the Anglo-Scottish revolt, which ends with Macbeth’s death and Malcolm I of Scotland becomes king.

Macbeth, the play by William Shakespeare, is largely about the idea of kingship and how it functions. Macbeth murders his best friend Banquo as well as King Duncan and Macduff’s family, all in order to gain the throne. As king, Macbeth is paranoid and sees many ghosts, which leads to Scotland being in a state of turmoil. Lady Macbeth goes mad and eventually commits suicide.

Macduff gathers forces from England and together they overthrow Macbeth’s reign. Malcolm, son of Duncan, is proclaimed king of Scotland. In Macbeth, Shakespeare explores the different aspects of what it means to be a king or queen and how these people can be corrupted by power.

Macbeths journey from hero to tyrant is one which Shakespeare cleverly uses Macbeths character flaws against him, and it is only Macbeth himself that can be blamed for his downfall.

The ambitious Macbeth allows his greed for power to take over him, despite many people close to him warning him about his actions. Lady Macbeth tries to persuade Macbeth not to think about the consequences of his actions, but he remains paranoid and suspicious. These suspicions lead Macbeth to kill more innocent people, furthering his downward spiral. Shakespeare presents Macbeth as a tragic hero, whose fatal flaw is ambition. This tragic flaw leads to Macbeth’s downfall, as he becomes more and more corrupted by power.

Macbeth’s downfall is also due to the influence of the witches. Macbeth is greatly influenced by their prophecies, and this leads him to take actions which he would not have otherwise taken. The witches plant the seeds of ambition in Macbeth’s mind, and this ambition eventually takes over Macbeth completely. Shakespeare uses the witches to show how easily a person can be led astray by ambition.

Kingship was extremely important in Shakespeare’s time, as the country was constantly under threat from other European countries. This made it essential for a strong leader to be in place, in order to protect the country from invasion.

Shakespeare used Macbeth to explore what can happen when a weak leader comes to power, and how this can lead to disaster. Macbeth is not a good king, as he is tyrannical and paranoid. He does not care about his people, and instead focuses on amassing more and more power for himself. This ultimately leads to Macbeth’s downfall.

Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, is a play about the quest for power. Macbeth is driven by his ambition to be king, and he will do whatever it takes to achieve his goal. This ultimately leads to his downfall. Macbeth’s journey from loyal subject to tyrannical ruler is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Macbeth is not the only one in the play who is after the throne. There are other characters who also have their eye on the prize. But Macbeth is the one who seems to be most consumed by his desire for power. He allows his ambition to control him, and this ultimately leads to his demise.

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Macbeth Sample Essay: Kingship

“kingship, with all its potential for good or evil, is a major theme in the play, macbeth.”, discuss this view, supporting your answer by quotation from or reference to the play. (1995) .

This is a H1 essay.  You may also like:  Full Notes on Macbeth (€)

Shakespeare’s tragedy “Macbeth” contains an elaborate exploration of the theme of power and within that, the theme of kingship. The main character’s evil plan aims at overthrowing the current ruler and assuming power over Scotland. Based on this the playwright profoundly analyses what qualities are the most important in a good king, what qualities are incompatible with kingship and the divine right of kings.

[Duncan as a great king] – you don’t need to put these in, this is just to improve readability

Before carrying out his plot Macbeth weighs up all the reasons why he wanted to proceed with it and all the arguments against his terrible murder plan. One such argument is that “this Duncan… hath been / So clear in his great office, that his virtues / Will plead like angels”. Duncan is portrayed as a wise ruler who feels strongly about the security of his country in the ongoing war with Norway. However, our encounter with this noble man is very brief. Macbeth, once he became king, did not know how to rule a country.

[Macbeth as a selfish king]

Macbeth’s major concerns are for his own safety and for the security of his own power: “Thy crown does sear mine eyeballs.”. He doesn’t even consider the welfare of the Scottish people before going ahead with the regicide. This shows that no matter how dedicated you are to your country, even as a great warrior and “Bellona’s bridegroom” – as an ordinary person you may not rule a country. This message is reflective of the prevailing belief in the divine right of kings that existed in Shakespeare’s day. Macbeth is not fit for the task: with him Scotland is “bleeding.” The tyranny is reflected by the darkness and bizarre supernatural events of the play.

[Imagery of darkness used to emphasise Macbeth’s inadequacy as king]

Darkness, nighttime and the colour black frequently referred to in the play demonstrating that there is something worth hiding. Shakespeare uses this to show just how far removed Macbeth’s kingship is from the ideal. It is always at nighttime that the Witches, the “black and midnight hags,” show their faces and act as “instruments of darkness.” After all, it was the Witches who gave Macbeth the idea to kill Duncan. Nighttime serves as the cover for Macbeth’s murders. He pleads: “Stars, hide your fires! Let not the light see my black and deep desires.” His selfish kingship is all about his desires and he knows that this should be hidden. On the night when Duncan was killed it was abnormally dark: “There’s husbandry in heaven, their candles are all out.” Most of the play is set at night time: it is only bright twice – when Duncan arrives at Inverness and when Macbeth is about to die. Both are events that subvert Macbeth’s evil plot and demonstrate Shakespeare’s views on the Macbeth’s legitimacy as a king.

[Imagery of the supernatural used to emphasise the divine right of kings]

Even more broadly, Shakespeare appeals to the supernatural to demonstrate Macbeth’s lack of fitness to be king. This is to emphasise the “unnatural” killing of the rightful king: “Unnatural deeds / Do breed unnatural troubles”. The order of things at the time hinged on a belief in the divine right of kings. When the cursed pair carry out their plan, the country descends into violent horror and disarray. Pathetic fallacy, a literary method used to illustrate deeper issues by attributing human qualities to the surroundings, is used here: “A falcon, tow’ring in her pride of place, / Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed.” Perhaps, this is the mousing Macbeth trying to be in place of a hawk by slaughtering the towering royalty and violating the divine right of kings? [Imagery of violence demonstrates Macbeth’s inadequacy as king]

The enormous amount of heart-stopping gruesome references to blood and violence emphasise the consequences of the inadequate regime for which Macbeth is responsible: Scotland “weeps, it bleeds, and each new day a gash Is added to her wounds.” However, the Bard of Avon not only condemns the bad ruler, but he explores the good qualities that a king should possess.

[Malcolm as an ideal king]

Desperate and helpless, Macduff arrives in England to see Malcolm, the legitimate successor to Duncan’s throne. Malcolm is almost an embodiment of all the positive qualities of kings. He, along with his brother, immediately decide to rely on themselves to preserve their dynasty by leaving Scotland despite the obvious and inevitable suspicion that it raises and their own bereavement: “Nor our strong sorrow / Upon the foot of motion.” They handle the situation with wisdom and courage, all for the sake of their kingdom. When Malcolm meets Macduff we see more of his wisdom. He adopts the personality of a man who is “not fit to govern and not even to live.” Malcolm makes sure to not jeopardise his own life and the welfare of Scotland by “testing” Macduff. Malcolm, unlike Macbeth, is able to tell appearance from reality in his superiority as king.

[Examination of ideal kingship]

The main aspects highlighted by Malcolm that are absolutely incompatible with a decent king are lying, voluptuousness and greed. He plans to “cut off the nobles for their lands, / Desire his jewels… Your wives, your daughters, / Your matrons, and your maids could not fill up / The cistern of my lust.” Satisfied with Macduff’s reaction Malcolm opens up: “What I am truly, / Is thine and my poor country’s to command” and admits that he is not ridden with vices as he had pretended. We find out Shakespeare’s vision of king-becoming graces: “verity, temperance, stableness, / Bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, / Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude…” The return of the rightful king is marked by the delight of the army. Macbeth, on the contrary, is full of bravado and feels invincible one minute and then left thinking about “all our yesterdays have lighted fools / The way to dusty death… It is a tale / Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, / Signifying nothing” as Scotland, Lady Macbeth and his soul are all deteriorating around him.

[Conclusion]

Shakespeare offers a detailed examination of the concept of kingship in this play. However, I cannot quite trust that “Macbeth” was written as a pure form of art. James I, the king of England at the time, Shakespeare’s patron, was one of the main proponents of the divine right of kings and a prominent witch-hunter. On the one hand, I feel that the play is a piece of propaganda written to please the sovereign and this casts a significant shadow on anything Shakespeare has to say about kingship. I ask myself what did Duncan have to do to become king? My suspicion is that it has more in common with Macbeth’s path than Shakespeare dares to admit. On the other hand, I understand that Shakespeare lived at a different time. Notwithstanding all of this, his imagery and plot line emphasise all the selfless aspects of kingship and deliver it through a compelling play.

This is the 1995 English paper .

• Post author: Martina
• Post published: August 30, 2012
• Post category: English / Macbeth - Single Text

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Macbeth Essay: Macbeth Kingship Exam Question and Detailed Essay Plan AQA

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Assessment and revision

Last updated

6 September 2017

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ibrahimshahlive

Empty reply does not make any sense for the end user

Be careful with this resource: there are typos in the essay title! "Starting with this extract, explain to what extend you believe Shakespeare’s presents the idea of kingship"

RossettiChristina

A brilliant resource - good extract with questions and a detailed plan! thanks

dominicriste

Self assessment grid useful!

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