macbeth essay kingship

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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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Secondary English teacher in Herts. View all posts by gcseenglishwithmisshuttlestone

2 thoughts on “The theme of kingship in ‘Macbeth’”

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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.