kingship Flashcards
overview
“So foul and fair a day I have not seen.” – Macbeth (Act 1, Scene 3)
“So foul and fair a day I have not seen.” – Macbeth (Act 1, Scene 3)
Analysis: This quote is spoken by Macbeth when he first meets the witches, and it introduces the theme of kingship in an indirect way. The phrase “So foul and fair a day I have not seen” highlights the contrast between good and evil, suggesting that Macbeth’s path to kingship will be a mixture of both. The oxymoron “foul and fair” reflects Macbeth’s internal conflict, where he is both drawn to the idea of power (fair) and repelled by the means to achieve it (foul). This line is significant because it foreshadows his eventual rise to power and the chaos that will come with it. It sets the tone for the tension Macbeth feels about becoming king—he’s enticed by the possibility but also disturbed by the consequences of getting there. This quote is important for understanding how kingship, in Macbeth’s mind, is not a straightforward or noble aspiration but something morally complicated.
“The service and the loyalty I owe, In doing it, pays itself.” – Macbeth (Act 1, Scene 4)
“The service and the loyalty I owe, In doing it, pays itself.” – Macbeth (Act 1, Scene 4)
Analysis: This line is spoken by Macbeth when he is speaking to King Duncan after receiving the title of Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth expresses his loyalty to Duncan, claiming that he is already rewarded just by serving the king. The phrase “The service and the loyalty I owe” suggests Macbeth’s initial commitment to his king, which makes his later betrayal of Duncan even more shocking. At this point, Macbeth is still loyal to Duncan, and he believes that loyalty to a king is its own reward. However, the word “pays itself” hints at his inner ambition, which will later override his loyalty. Shakespeare uses this line to explore the theme of kingship in relation to loyalty and ambition. Macbeth is trying to present himself as a faithful servant, but the audience knows that his ambition is already bubbling beneath the surface. The theme of kingship is examined here through the lens of Macbeth’s inner conflict—he serves his king outwardly, but inwardly he is already plotting to become king himself.
“To be thus is nothing; but to be safely thus.
In this quote, Macbeth is talking about how being king isn’t enough for him. The phrase “To be thus is nothing” shows that Macbeth doesn’t feel satisfied just by having the title of king—he wants more than that. He’s not content with the power itself, but with the security that comes with it. He feels insecure in his position, which is why he says “but to be safely thus.” The word “safely” is important because it shows Macbeth’s fear that he could lose the throne at any moment. He wants to feel in control and protected, not just in power. This moment reveals Macbeth’s growing paranoia and how he’s becoming obsessed with maintaining his kingship, even if it means doing terrible things.
This quote really shows the theme of insecurity in kingship—how Macbeth wants more than just the crown, he craves peace and control.
“Your highness’ part is to receive our duties: and our duties are to your throne and state.”
In this quote, Banquo is speaking to Macbeth, and he’s emphasizing the natural order of kingship. He says that the king’s role is to “receive our duties,” meaning that it’s the king’s job to be served by his subjects. The word “duties” shows the responsibility that people like Banquo feel to their king. It’s not about personal gain but loyalty and respect.
The phrase “throne and state” refers to Macbeth’s position of power and the responsibilities that come with it. The use of “throne” represents the political power Macbeth holds, while “state” suggests the stability and order that the king must maintain. Banquo sees kingship as a duty to uphold these things for the good of the kingdom, which is a contrast to Macbeth’s selfish ambition.
“But there’s no bottom, none, / In my voluptuousness.”
Malcolm’s statement uses hyperbole (exaggeration) to emphasize the negative traits that would make someone an ineffective and destructive king. By claiming he is insatiable in his desires, Malcolm suggests that a ruler without self-restraint or virtue is dangerous and unable to lead effectively. This highlights the moral imagery used by Shakespeare to distinguish good leadership from tyranny. While Malcolm pretends to be the opposite of a good king, he is actually demonstrating the qualities of a tragic hero like Macbeth, whose fatal flaw was his unchecked ambition and greed. In contrast, Malcolm’s awareness of his own flaws, and his eventual decision to rule justly, makes him a legitimate heir to the throne. Macbeth, in his paranoia and hubris, was unable to lead with the ethos of a good ruler, which ultimately led to his downfall. This shows that kingship in Macbeth is not simply about power, but about ruling with integrity, as demonstrated by Malcolm’s eventual noble actions.
“The time is free.”
The phrase “the time is free” uses personification, as “time” is given human-like qualities to represent the country’s liberation. Macduff’s declaration marks the climactic moment in the play, where justice is finally served, and the circular structure of Macbeth’s rise and fall is completed. This moment also underscores the theme of restoration—Macbeth’s reign of fear and violence is replaced by the possibility of peace and order under the rightful king, Malcolm. The contrast between Macbeth’s tyrannical rule and Malcolm’s future reign is highlighted through this line. Macbeth ruled through violence, paranoia, and guilt, while Macduff’s victory signals the end of that destructive cycle. This moment also represents the triumph of morality and justice over tyranny, which ties into the play’s broader exploration of what makes a true king. Macduff’s action in killing Macbeth signifies that kingship, in the end, is not about holding power for personal gain, but about ensuring the welfare of the kingdom. Macduff’s victory is an anagnorisis (recognition) of the rightful king’s role as a healer, not a destroyer, making the restoration of the monarchy and justice in Scotland inevitable.
conclusion
In Macbeth, the theme of kingship is explored through the contrast between Macbeth’s tyrannical rule and the qualities of a rightful king. Macbeth’s reign, marked by ambition, fear, and violence, demonstrates the dangers of ruling without integrity, leading to his ultimate downfall. In contrast, Malcolm’s eventual rise to the throne signifies the restoration of peace, justice, and stability, highlighting that true kingship is about serving the people with virtue, wisdom, and self-restraint. Ultimately, the play shows that kingship, when based on corruption and unchecked ambition, leads to destruction, while rightful leadership rooted in justice and morality can heal a nation.
