Kingship Flashcards
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Shakespeare juxtaposes the characters of King Duncan and Macbeth to show how a country stays powerful under the divine right of kings, the rightful leader (Duncan). But also how a country falls into chaos under the wrong leader (Macbeth). However, at the end of the play Malcom rightfully becomes king, order is restored and the divine right of kings is back in order
King Duncan was very generous and a good king - He names Macbeth ‘valiant cousin’. He also apologises about trusting the traitor ‘sin of my ingratitude’
King Duncan illustrates the theme of Kingship, he is very righteous and he generally rewarded his men with titles and generosity when he for example saw that Macbeth had won many wars and also in Banquo. This shows that King Duncan, as the rightful king, was very generous and this was why Scotland was so powerful under his rule; because he was loyal to his men, so they were very loyal back to him. On the other hand, Duncans fatal flaw was that he trusted too much, he believed in appearance too much and this is illustrated as he trusted the previous thane of Cawdor too much, also foreshadowing how Macbeth also betrays him.
Macbeth is used by Shakespeare to show that the wrong king turns a country into chaos. - ‘vaulting ambitions’ ‘untitled king’ ‘bleed, bleed poor country’
Macbeth reveals what happens when the wrongful leader comes into power against the diving rule of kings, Scotland falls into chaos and almost anarchy. In comparison to Duncan who was very generous as a king, Macbeth instills fear and he focuses on violence and even murders Duncan, Banquo and Macduff’s family, eliminating all threats. Shakespeare is showing this the the Jacobean audience of the time, all of the bishops surrounding Ki ng James, warning them not to think of betraying him. Macbeths ambitions to be king are very tempting to him but he knows they are wrong, he is also not sure if he could handle being king, evidently he couldn’t. This illustrates the theme of ambition, and that it can be a dangerous temptation.
Malcom is a very perceptive person and will be a great king - ‘I’ll to England’ ‘be not offended’ ‘modest wisdom plucks me from over credulous haste’
When Malcom becomes king, rightful order is restored into Scotland, and the audience are aware that Scotland will become even more powerful than it was during Duncan’s time, this is because Malcom has all the right qualities to be a king whilst also not being as gullible as his father. Malcom is extremely perceptive and tests Macduff when he comes to England to try and raise an army by pretending to be evil, when Macduff acts shocked he knows to trust him ‘be not offended’, unlike his father. When Malcom says (the last quote) that he is trying to be wise with who he offers his power to and he will not be quick to trust others like his father did, showing that Malcolm will be a much more powerful King
