Kingship in Macbeth

Kingship in Macbeth Throughout the play we see many of Shakespeare's ideas on the topic and theme of kingship but also what he thought the qualities a man should have to rule his country Macbeth is a play about power and about how the characters in the play handle it and use it. These characters are judged as leaders by their personalities, relationships with their subjects and their attitude towards the country. The characters Duncan, Macbeth, Malcolm and Edward all represent their own brand of kingship and as the play progresses we see the faults in each of these. The first to represent kingship in the play is Duncan. He is loved by his subjects and this love is well deserved and Duncan may be considered the most generous and loved king but that does not mean he is infallible. He is a good king has two sons and cares for Scotland. He is described as a sainted king by Macduff in Act 4 scene 3. Duncan places a lot of trust upon his soldiers and they are very loyal as we see in the bleeding captain fighting against mercenaries and Macbeth says himself his loyalty and service to Duncan is sufficient for his reward and also says ''he hath honoured him of late'' and the essence of Duncan's good nature creates doubts in Macbeth with regards to the murder and Lady Macbeth has also experienced this kindness, a large diamond received for been a good hostess. We see Duncan is

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  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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Kingship in Macbeth

Robin Spacie Kingship Shakespeare explores the issues connected with kingship during Macbeth, mostly in IV:3 where Malcolm describes the properties of a good King. The comparisons between Macbeth, the untitled tyrant, and Duncan, a most sainted King are clear. Until the Victorian era, the reigning monarch had complete control over the country. The monarch was capable of uniting the country or creating unrest and chaos. England was very unstable following Henry VIII rule until Elizabeth. Elizabeth had a very strong personality and managed to unite the country. However, she had no heir and named James I (James VII of Scotland) as her heir. The comparison between Macbeth and Duncan is made in Macbeth as a political point, as well as being a dramatic device. Shakespeare is showing James I the need to be strong and virtuous, unlike Macbeth. The king-becoming graces are defined in IV:3 as justice, verity, temperance, stableness, bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, devotion, patience, courage and fortitude. Duncan is the epitome of a good King whilst it is said that Not in the legions Of horrid hell can come a devil more damn'd In evils to top Macbeth. (IV:3 56-57) Duncan is very just. He rewards good service and is unafraid to punish traitors. This is seen in I:4 when the Thane of Cawdor is punished for treason and his titles are given to Macbeth. Macbeth, however, is

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Kingship in Macbeth

Kingship in Macbeth The Elizabethans believed that all creatures in the world had an order where they belonged in the "grand scheme of things." They believed that God had the most power, then his angels, then the king, then the lords and ladies, then the rich people, then the poor people and finally the animals and creatures of the sea. This is known as the great chain of being. They also believed that if one of the "links" were broken, due to unnatural causes, then chaos would reign because the chain will not be able to support the other links. The Elizabethan worldview was that the universe was strictly ordered. God was at the pinnacle of the "chain of being" and at His feet were His angels. Next in line was the king who was considered to be ordained by God and be His ambassador on earth. As the king is the first earthly figure in the chain, he was deemed to possess a divine right to be at the pinnacle of earthly society. He was also thought to inherit all his power and authority from God and therefore anything that the king decreed was true and indisputable. Elizabethans believed that if this chain was maintained and upheld, society would be harmonious and orderly, as people would know their position and role in society. If this chain was broken, that is the direct link between God and his ambassador was severed as in the case of Macbeth, God would have no person

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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How is Kingship presented in Macbeth?

How is Kingship presented in Macbeth? -Refer closely to the words and actions of Duncan, Malcolm and Macbeth. -Remember to include the role of Edward in England. In Shakespeare's Macbeth, we are presented with four examples of Kingship; Duncan, his son Malcolm, Edward King of England and Macbeth. Each king represents a different type of leadership, ranging from the almost God-like abilities of Edward to the wickedness and deceit of Macbeth Duncan is a very good man and a well-respected king. When Malcolm is telling his father of the Thane of Cawdor's death he says that: "very frankly he confessed his treasons, Implored your highness' pardon, and sent forth A deep repentance." (Act 1, scene 4, line 5). The Thane of Cawdor respected Duncan enough, even after betraying him, to confess his crimes and ask for forgiveness. He treats men of all kinds with respect and admiration. When Duncan meets the bleeding captain, he is concerned for his health and sends somebody to get him a doctor: "Go get him surgeons."(Act 1, Scene 2, Line 44) This shows him to care about the people who serve him, unlike Macbeth who abuses and laughs at his servants: "The devil damn thee black, thou cream-faced loon. Where got'st thou that goose-look?" (Act 5, scene 3, line 11). Duncan shows himself to be quick to punish those who betray him but, quick to reward those who serve him. This

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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How is kingship depicted in Macbeth?

How is kingship depicted in Macbeth? Kingship is a central theme in Macbeth. We are shown three monarchs; Duncan, Macbeth, and Malcolm. Using all three monarchs Shakespeare describes a variety of Kingships. The first king we are shown is Duncan he is the reigning monarch as the play opens. At the beginning there is a rebellion, this shows us that not all the people like him. At this point Macbeth is a good friend of Duncan and respects him. Duncan seams to be a very fair and just king but is forceful when needed to be. We see this when it is found out that the former Thane of Cawder is a traitor, and is killed by Duncan. We can also see that he is kind to his people like Banquo, an example of this is when he said "True worthy Banquo; he is full so valient, And in his commendations I am fed." As Duncan arrives at Macbeth 's castle he believes that he is just there for a pleasant trip and is completely ignorant to the fact that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are plotting to kill him. He has complete trust in them. Duncan depicts a quite typical kind of kingship. After Duncan's death Macbeth has becomes king because Duncan 's sons have fled. Macbeth is a very different type of king he is ruthless, devious and trusts no one apart from Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth is totally in agreement with Macbeth and they both want to kill the King. When Macbeth is first seen he is a very loyal

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Discuss how Shakespeare deals with kingship in

Discuss how Shakespeare deals with kingship in "Macbeth" Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" is largely based upon the theme of kingship. "Macbeth" was written for James the 1st, who would have been interested in kingship and believed in the "chain of being" and the "divine right" of kings. The "chain of being" is the belief that everything is connected like a chain, and is affected by anything above it. God was believed to be at the top of the chain, and the King was believed to be the highest on earth. The "divine right" was the belief that rightful kings were put there by God, and should not be removed. Shakespeare represents these with the prosperity when Duncan is king and the unnaturalness and evil, which is present when Macbeth becomes king by evil means. This is emphasised because James the 1st traced his ancestors to Banquo, whose descendents were the rightful kings of Scotland. The theme of kingship may also have been cautionary to anyone plotting to kill James, as Macbeth was written the year after the famous "Gunpowder Plot". At the beginning of the play, Duncan is the rightful king of Scotland, there by his "divine right". In his first appearance, King Duncan performs two of the basic duties of a king, punishing the bad and rewarding the good. Upon learning of the treachery of the Thane of Cawdor and the heroism of Macbeth, he says, "No more that Thane of

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Explore Shakespeare's presentation of Kingship in Richard II

Maria Tennant Mr Marston English Coursework Explore Shakespeare's presentation of Kingship in Richard II Richard II is a play that centres on Kingship; Shakespeare presents vanity and flattery using rich language throughout the play to articulate the hazards a King must avoid to ensure their position as King is maintained. During the play we see the character of Richard presented as vain and tyrannical; as a man who is attempting to escape the responsibilities that Kingship brings such as succession and leadership. Written almost wholly in verse, Shakespeare contrasts Richard with his successor Bolingbroke to emphasize how care of the kingdom of England and good judgement is inextricably linked with being a successful King. From the onset, Shakespeare presents Richard as vain. In Act I of the first scene Richard's interruption of the duel suggests his egotism. The duel gives Richard the opportunity to make a dramatic and grand public gesture, asserting himself as King. As the brawl develops Richard calls Mowbray and Bolingbroke to "forgive, forget, conclude and be agreed". Shakespeare's use of verbs in the imperative makes this statement a command. It implies Richard has paid little attention to the reason behind the quarrel, and is instead more interested in people concentrating on his lavish words and public display. The repetition of the "o" sounds and alliteration

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  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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Shakespeare's views on Kingship in Macbeth.

Shakespeare's views on Kingship in Macbeth In my coursework, I intend to compare and study the different ways in which four different Kings rule. These Kings are Duncan, Macbeth, Edward the Confessor, and Malcolm. Macbeth is a story which explores kingship and how its responsibilities can lead to treachery, betrayal and even death. The play was written in the summer of 1606 by William Shakespeare. The king at that time was James I of England and VI of Scotland. The play was thought to be written to be performed to James later on that same year. Macbeth appealed to the King because it contained two characters from whom he had supposedly gained the throne, Banquo and Fleance. Kingship at that time was insecure. In the previous year had been the gunpowder plot which planned to kill King James in his Court. A King of this period was believed to have been chosen by God to rule. This was known as the Divine Right of Kings. Shakespeare's Macbeth shows various ways in which a King can stay true to these rights but also how he can go against them and bring a country to its grave. The qualities which a fair and just ruler should possess are: "Justice, verity, temperance, stableness, Bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, Devotion, patience, courage and fortitude" A bad and unworthy King is said to be: "Luxurious, avaricious, false, deceitful, Sudden, malicious, smacking

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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How does Shakespeare present the issue of kingship in Macbeth?

In what ways are kings & notions of kingship central to Shakespeare's Macbeth? You should consider the characters of Duncan, Banquo, & Macbeth, as well as the possible influence of James I, king of England & Scotland when the play was written in 1606 Kingship is one of the major themes of the book & throughout the play it is linked with loyalty. Shakespeare contrasts the meaning of kingship mainly through Duncan & Macbeth. Banquo is also important in the presentation of kingship because he begins his place in the story parallel to Macbeth: they are both worthy thanes, both great warriors, both loyal to the king. However as we know their characters grow further apart and become more contrastable. As it was believed at that time, the king had divine rights, as if chosen to rule by God, as it was also believed that to assassinate the king would be considered as going against God and the natural laws. Shakespeare presents Duncan, as the role model of what a king should be: trusting, honorable, generous, honest, & believes in loyalty. In I-iv, Macbeth says to the king, " The service & the loyalty I owe" (line 22). This is ironic because this is the first time in the play where the themes of loyalty & kingship are mentioned together & it is Macbeth who said it. We know that Macbeth kills the king & he was even thinking it when he said that & he therefore does the opposite of

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Kingship Essay - Macbeth The issue of Kingship was such an important issue of Shakespeare's time because there is a change of ruler

Kingship Essay - Macbeth The issue of Kingship was such an important issue of Shakespeare's time because there is a change of ruler, which will affect the lives of the population. Queen Elizabeth was a benevolent Queen who strived for peace. She was the virgin Queen and was, in effect, married to her country; she did this in order to protect her country from another King, who could potentially start tension and war. This commitment shows Elizabeth's love for her country, as she took on the personal commitments to defend her country. People loved her as a consequence of this. A benefit of this was that Elizabethan times were full of prosperity, advances in learning and the expansion of empire. There was no civil strife as there had been before in the war of the Roses. When Elizabeth's long era came to an end when she died in 1603 there was debate as to who would be the next ruler. The blood line of the Tudors found King James VI of Scotland as the legitimate candidate to be King James I of England. This united England and Scotland, and Shakespeare uses the play 'Macbeth', to compliment King James, to promote a good image and to show the significance of the Monarchy. Another significant issue to the background of 'Macbeth' is the hierarchy in place at this time. Elizabethan's desired stability as it meant they could move forward and could be protected from the outcome of war,

  • Word count: 2732
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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