1 / 9

The Majesty of Kingship in Macbeth

Explore the central theme of kingship in Shakespeare's Macbeth. Discover the contrasting qualities of lawful and usurping kings through characters like Duncan, Macbeth, and Malcolm. Witness how the state's welfare hinges on the legitimacy and virtues of its ruler.

danieljohnson
Download Presentation

The Majesty of Kingship in Macbeth

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Macbeth Theme of Kingship

  2. Kingship is one of the central themes of the play • King = God’s representative on earth • Shakespeare highlights the potential of kingship for good and evil. • The welfare of the state depends on the legitimacy of the king,

  3. Lawful and good kings bring order and stability. • Duncan and Malcolm are lawful and virtuous kings. • Macbeth is a usurper (someone who steals the throne), whose reign brings only disorder.

  4. Macduff and Malcolm discuss the qualities a good King should have. Note that Macbeth does not have any of these qualities. • “Justice • Verity (truth) • Temperance • Stableness (consistency) • Bounty (generosity) • Perseverance • Mercy • Lowliness (humility) • Devotion • Patience • Courage • Fortitude”

  5. Duncan is a lawful and good King of Scotland How do we know this?: • He has defeated his enemies. • The loyalty and bravery of his army is proof of his leadership • Justly punishes those who betray him (Thane of Cawdor) • Rewards and praises Macbeth and Banquo. • Generous to his hostess • Even Macbeth acknowledges that he has “been so clear in his great office” • His murder is seen as a crime against God.

  6. King Edward (English King) • Described as “Pious” and “Holy” • Provides Malcolm and Macduff with the army to overthrow Macbeth. • Contrast between his rule and Macbeth’s rule striking. • Edward means blessing and healing • Macbeth means disorder and sickness

  7. Macbeth the Usurper • He murders the lawful and just king to claim the throne. • The murder upsets the entire natural order, strange happenings occur.

  8. Duncan is comfortable as king but Macbeth never enjoys kingship How do we know this?: • Full of doubt and insecurity • His mind “full of scorpions” • Even envies Duncan who now “sleeps well” • Inspires no loyalty • Linked with darkness and sickness.

  9. Malcolm as King • Possesses the qualities of king. • Brings Scotland back to its natural order at the end of the play when the evil usurper Macbeth is killed and Malcolm becomes king.

More Related