Since Macbeth was originally written in the early 17th century, the idea of kingship would have been significantly different from what it is today. In Shakespeare’s time, the king was seen as a divine figurehead, placed on the throne by God himself. As a result, any action or decision made by the king was seen as an order from on high. Macbeth, as a usurper of the throne, would have been considered a traitor and criminal.
Interestingly, Macbeth does not seem to think of himself as a traitor; rather, he sees himself as someone who is fighting for Scotland’s independence. He justifies his crimes by telling himself that he is doing what is best for his country. This idea of the “noble rebel” is a common trope in Shakespeare’s plays. Macbeth is not the only character to wrestle with the idea of morality and duty; all of Shakespeare’s characters are complex and multi-layered.
In Macbeth, the question of kingship is explored in depth. What does it mean to be a king? What is the responsibility of a king? Can a king ever be justified in committing evil deeds? These are just some of the questions that Shakespeare asks in his play. Macbeth is an excellent example of how the themes of kingship can be explored through character and plot.
Analyse Shakespeares ideas and attributes towards kingship, as expressed in Macbeth, and assess what you believe the audience’s reaction to the play would be at the time. Shakespeares views on monarchy may be seen throughout the play. He demonstrates that a king should be elected by divine right and discusses the characteristics of a great ruler. The play Macbeth takes place in medieval Scotland during the reign of King Duncan.
Macbeth is seen as a good king, who is loved by his people. Macbeth is then killed by Macduff, who is seen as an usurper. Macduff kills Macbeth in order to save the kingdom from Macbeths tyranny.
The audiences reaction to the play would have been mixed. The play shows the dangers of a tyrant king and how it can ruin a country. However, it also shows that a good king can be beneficial to a country. The play would have been popular with the Tudor audience as they were interested in British history.
Macbeth would have been seen as an interesting play, as it showed how a good king could be corrupted by power. The play would also have been seen as a warning to the Tudor audience, as they were in the process of choosing a new king. Macbeth is a good example of how a bad king can ruin a country and the play would have been used by the Tudors to show why they needed a good king.
Macbeth is also an interesting play from a historical perspective, as it shows how Scotland was ruled in medieval times. The play would have been popular with audiences in Scotland, as it showed their history on stage. Macbeth is one of Shakespeares most popular plays and it is still performed today. It is important to analyse Shakespeares ideas about kingship as they are still relevant today.
Macbeth becomes king by deceit, and his reign continues in this fashion. When Duncan is just, Macbeth becomes tyrannical, and he turns deadly. He runs a ruthless dictatorship. King Edward of England is good compared to Macbeth, who is portrayed as an unpopular tyrant.
Macbeth murders him to gain the throne. Macduff, loyal to the King, is outraged by this and leads a rebellion against Macbeth. Macbeth is eventually killed in battle.
Mabeth’s rule as king is fraught with violence and bloodshed. He comes to power through murder and his reign is characterised by tyranny and cruelty. Macduff, a loyal subject of the king, leads a rebellion against Macbeth after he murders King Duncan. Macbeth is eventually killed in battle, bringing an end to his brutal rule.
Through the unnatural events that follow Macbeth’s unlawful ascent to the throne, James’ theories are reflected in William Shakespeare’s 1606 play Macbeth. According to the doctrine of divine right, God grants rulership rights to them.
Macbeth’s usurpation of the throne thus represents a break with the natural order, which is only restored when Macduff kills Macbeth. Macbeth therefore represents both the dangers of violating the natural order and the dangers of excessive ambition. James believed that a king must have both wisdom and courage if he is to rule his people justly. Macbeth displays neither of these qualities, instead relying on force and violence to maintain his position. The play also reflects James’s belief in the need for a strong monarchy to protect Scotland from its enemies.
When the Norwegians’ triumph is reported, Macbeth and Banquo are ready to go to war with them. When they reach home, Macbeth and Banquo meet two aged crones who tell him his destiny. This startles Macbeth, causing him to desire greater power. As a result of Macbeth’s wicked leadership, Scotland became a country of turmoil during his reign.
Macduff, a nobleman and Macbeth’s greatest rival, eventually kills Macbeth in order to restore peace to the kingdom. Macbeth is very much a play about kingship, and the various pitfalls that come with it. Macbeth is initially driven by his ambition to become king, but this desire ultimately leads to his downfall. The play also explores the idea of what it means to be a good ruler, and Macbeth is shown to be a terrible king because of his thirst for power and his willingness to kill anyone who gets in his way.
Macduff represents the ideal king – someone who is willing to put the needs of his people before his own personal desires. Macduff is a good and noble man who is willing to fight for what is right, and he ultimately becomes the rightful king of Scotland. Macbeth is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and ambition, and it serves as a reminder that a good king is someone who puts the needs of his people first.