Kingship

Page 1

A king didn't have to be the old king's son

In the play, Macbeth suddenly becomes King, even though he's not the heir to to the throne

Duncan chooses his eldest son as his heir, but he makes Macbeth next in line after Malcolm and Donnalbain

Macbeth wins the throne by killing the King and framing Malcolm and Donnalbain

Gradually other characters realise Macbeth is not a true king

Historical Context

In Scotland at the time, the successor didn't have to be the King's eldest son, even though it often was

Page 2

Malcolm describes good rulers and bad rulers

Duncan is an example of an ideal king

He's described as "gracious" and inspires loyalty in his subjects, who see him as a "most sainted king" and therefore the rightful ruler of Scotland

In contrast, Macbeth is described as a "tyrant" because he rules selfishly, using violence

He's rarely referred to as a "king" which shows that the other characters don't accept him as the true King

In Act 4, Scene 3 Malcolm describes good and bad kings:

Malcolm's describing Macbeth's reign here - he's "avaricious" because he's motivated by selfish greed

His lies make him "false" and "deceitful" and he's "bloody" because he uses violence to keep control over his people

Malcolm could be describing Duncan in this speech - Duncan shows "temperance" in his calm, peaceful manner, "lowliness" (being humble) in his gratefulness loyalty, "justice" when dealing with those who betray him and "Bounty" in his generosity

Writer's Techniques

Under Duncan's rightful reign, the country is ordered and peaceful

Macbeth's unlawful reign is reflected in the overturned natural order

Page 3

A good king should be holy

Malcolm also says that a good ruler is holy

At the time, people believed the King was appointed by God

The King of England, Edward, has a "healing benediction" and uses "holy prayers" to cure sick people

He's surrounded by "blessings" that "speak him full of grace"

In contrast, Macbeth is "Devilish"

He commits murder and talks to evil witches

He;s not the chosen king