kingship Flashcards
introduction:
In Shakespeare’s tragedy, the overarching theme of kingship is emphasised through three key figures: Macbeth as the tyrannical king, Duncan as the ideal king and Malcolm as the rightful successor.
3 key ideas for kingship?
- macbeth (tyrannical)
- Duncan (ideal)
- Malcolm (rightful)
topic sentence for paragraph 1 (macbeth):
Firstly, Macbeth’s usurpation and tyrannical pursuit of kingship directly leads to his fatal demise
quotes to use in paragraph 1 (macbeth):
“fruitless crown”
“barren sceptre”
“stepped in so far”
“wade”
“blood”
analyse “fruitless crown and barren sceptre”
He describes his reign as a “fruitless crown” and a “barren sceptre”, which emphasises his insecurity and obsession with power. The adjectives “fruitless” and “barren” suggest a lack of legacy, reinforcing the idea that his rule is unnatural. Although the “crown” is a symbol of kingship, its “fruitless” nature highlights the emptiness of his power.
analyse “stepped in so far”..
Furthermore, Macbeth acknowledges that he has “stepped in so far” that he is at the point of no return. Previously, the motif of “blood” (the consequence of murder) was merely on his hands, yet now it has enrobed his entire body, and by extension his entire sense of being. The fact that he used the metaphor of “wading” in this “blood” exemplifies how he acknowledges his conscience is permanently stained with guilt as a result of his ambition to become king, and there is nothing he can do to change that. The verb “wade” implies imagery of struggling through deep waters, further suggesting that this desire for kingship does not bring him peace, but rather entraps him in a cycle of tyrannical violence.
analysis for paragraph 1 (macbeth):
Firstly, Macbeth’s usurpation and tyrannical pursuit of kingship directly leads to his fatal demise. He describes his reign as a “fruitless crown” and a “barren sceptre”, which emphasises his insecurity and obsession with power. The adjectives “fruitless” and “barren” suggest a lack of legacy, reinforcing the idea that his rule is unnatural. Although the “crown” is a symbol of kingship, its “fruitless” nature highlights the emptiness of his power. Furthermore, Macbeth acknowledges that he has “stepped in so far” that he is at the point of no return. Previously, the motif of “blood” (the consequence of murder) was merely on his hands, yet now it has enrobed his entire body, and by extension his entire sense of being. The fact that he used the metaphor of “wading” in this “blood” exemplifies how he acknowledges his conscience is permanently stained with guilt as a result of his ambition to become king, and there is nothing he can do to change that. The verb “wade” implies imagery of struggling through deep waters, further suggesting that this desire for kingship does not bring him peace, but rather entraps him in a cycle of tyrannical violence.
topic sentence for paragraph 2 (duncan):
Duncan, in contrast, is presented as the ideal king
quotes to use in paragraph 2 (duncan):
“borne his faculties so meek”
“kinsman and his subject”
“virtues”
“like angels, trumpet-tongued”
analyse “born his faculties so meek” “kinsman and his subject”
Macbeth himself acknowledges Duncan’s noble qualities in his soliloquy, admitting that he has “borne his faculties so meek” and that he is Duncan’s “kinsman and his subject”. The repetition of the possessive pronoun “his” emphasises Duncan’s rightful place as king- Scotland belongs to him, not Macbeth.
analyse “virtues” “like angels, trumpet-tongued”
Furthermore, Macbeth describes Duncan’s “virtues” as “angels, trumpet-tongued”, using religious imagery to highlight his morality. The simile “like angels” suggests that his goodness is pure and divine, reinforcing his legitimacy as king. Meanwhile “trumpet-tongued” suggests the idea that even in death, Duncan’s rightful place as king will cry out against Macbeth, foreshadowing the inevitable consequences of regicide. Shakespeare uses Duncan’s just and honourable rule to contrast with Macbeth’s ruthless ambition.
analysis for paragraph 2 (duncan):
Duncan, in contrast, is presented as the ideal king. Macbeth himself acknowledges Duncan’s noble qualities in his soliloquy, admitting that he has “borne his faculties so meek” and that he is Duncan’s “kinsman and his subject”. The repetition of the possessive pronoun “his” emphasises Duncan’s rightful place as king- Scotland belongs to him, not Macbeth. Furthermore, Macbeth describes Duncan’s “virtues” as “angels, trumpet-tongued”, using religious imagery to highlight his morality. The simile “like angels” suggests that his goodness is pure and divine, reinforcing his legitimacy as king. Meanwhile “trumpet-tongued” suggests the idea that even in death, Duncan’s rightful place as king will cry out against Macbeth, foreshadowing the inevitable consequences of regicide. Shakespeare uses Duncan’s just and honourable rule to contrast with Macbeth’s ruthless ambition.
topic sentence for paragraph 3 (malcolm):
Alternatively, Malcolm’s words position him as the rightful successor, contrasting with Macbeth’s tyrannical and self-serving rule.
quotes to use in paragraph 3 (malcolm):
“what i am truly, is thine”
“my poor country”
“no relish of them”
analyse “what i am truly, is thine”
Alternatively, Malcolm’s words position him as the rightful successor, contrasting with Macbeth’s tyrannical and self-serving rule. The caesura within “what I am truly, is thine” adds gravitas- Malcolm’s loyalty to Scotland, in stark contrast to Macbeth’s hubris. This pause reflects Malcolm’s measured and sincere approach to kingship.
analyse “my poor country”
Moreover, the possessive pronoun “my” in “my poor country” reinforces Malcolm’s deep sense of duty and care for Scotland, portraying him as a fatherly figure, seeking to heal the nation after Macbeth’s tyrannical and destructive reign.
analyse “no relish of them”
This is further emphasised in his dialogue with Macduff, where he tests his loyalty by listing false flaws about himself, stating that he has “no relish of them”- thus proving that he values integrity over self-interest. Therefore, Shakespeare presents Malcolm as the antithesis of Macbeth- distinguishing true kingship.
analysis for paragraph 3 (malcolm):
Alternatively, Malcolm’s words position him as the rightful successor, contrasting with Macbeth’s tyrannical and self-serving rule. The caesura within “what I am truly, is thine” adds gravitas- Malcolm’s loyalty to Scotland, in stark contrast to Macbeth’s hubris. This pause reflects Malcolm’s measured and sincere approach to kingship. Moreover, the possessive pronoun “my” in “my poor country” reinforces Malcolm’s deep sense of duty and care for Scotland, portraying him as a fatherly figure, seeking to heal the nation after Macbeth’s tyrannical and destructive reign. This is further emphasised in his dialogue with Macduff, where he tests his loyalty by listing false flaws about himself, stating that he has “no relish of them”- thus proving that he values integrity over self-interest. Therefore, Shakespeare presents Malcolm as the antithesis of Macbeth- distinguishing true kingship.
conclusion for how kingship is presented in Macbeth:
Therefore, kingship can be seen as the destination or goal of all the action in the play; it contrasts the good and bad kings by highlighting the consequences of usurpation. Shakespeare ultimately presents kingship as a test of moral character, perhaps even emphasising the play’s allegory: the idea that a king’s legitimacy is derived not from personal ambition or force, but from virtue, divine favour and dedication to the greater good.
