Duncan knowledge Flashcards
how is duncan a good king
-he rewards those who are loyal to him
-this is seen to keep their loyalty and they fight for him and the country
-however, this isn’t always enough to keep them on his side
-this generosity and trust are seen to keep them on his side and well liked – is the reason he has so many allies
-With the unexpected ascension of James, QUALITIES OF A KING were greatly debated in the Jacobian era – this could be Shakespeare showing examples of kingly qualities
show how duncans death was mourned/ un holy
- ‘most sacrilegious murder’
DIVINE RIGHT OF KINGS
‘Night hath been unruly’
-Macbeth disturbed natural order – he wasn’t meant to be king – is this what lead to his downfall – is this why he was a bad king - shows the destruction that can occur if a king is overthrown KING JAMES COURT
how as duncan trusting
-makes M thane of Cawdor – this following of prophecy could further spur him to want to follow through the witches’ prophecy and become king
-previous thane of Cawdor betrayed him
-seen as a good king who is too kind and trusting – compared to M who is violent and ruthless – could this show how all kings have flaw
- go to Ms house and get killed
IMPORTANCE – to show the chaos caused when the natural order is overturned – to contrast Macbeth as a good kind king – this furthers Macbeth’s evil and betrayal as he is betraying someone who was always good to him
