Abuse of Power and Kingship

• What was a significant issue in England during James I's reign?

  The ongoing religious conflict between Protestants and Catholics
• How does Shakespeare compare different characters in Macbeth regarding kingship?

  He contrasts their approaches to reigns, showing some as successful and others as failures
• What is the relationship between kingship and power in Macbeth?

  They are intrinsically linked, driving the motivations of many characters
• Who is portrayed as a righteous and just king in Macbeth?

  Duncan
• How does Duncan demonstrate his qualities as a great king?

  He is noble, nurturing, responsible, and a strong leader
• What does Duncan's successful reign emphasize about Macbeth?

  It highlights how disastrous Macbeth is as a king
• How does Duncan reward those who do good?

  He tells his court that "Signs of nobleness like stars shall shine / On all deservers"
• What does the simile "like stars shall shine" imply about virtue and nobility?


  It suggests that these traits are visible and will be rewarded
• How does Duncan show he is invested in his followers?

  By stating, "I have begun to plant thee and will labour / To make thee full of growing"
• What does the semantic field of agriculture suggest about Duncan's character?

  It presents him as nurturing and considerate
• How do even those who seek to kill Duncan view him?

  They admire the way he rules
• What qualities does Macbeth attribute to Duncan?

  He acknowledges Duncan's honourable qualities and virtuous nature
• How does Duncan govern fairly?

  He rewards good deeds and punishes traitors
• What does Duncan's order to execute the Thane of Cawdor signify?

  It shows his commitment to justice and maintaining order
• What does the exchange of titles at the beginning of the play suggest about the state of the country?

  It presents a stable and balanced country
• Why was it important for Duncan to produce an heir?

  To ensure political stability and security
• Who does Duncan announce as his heir-apparent?

  Malcolm
• How does Duncan's trust in others affect his kingship?

  It makes him appear too trusting and dependent
• What does Duncan's reflection on the previous Thane of Cawdor reveal about his character?

  It suggests he has a poor judge of character
• What dramatic irony exists in Duncan's statement about trust?

  Macbeth is plotting to murder him while he expresses trust in others
• How is Macbeth initially described in the play?

  As "brave Macbeth," "Bellona’s bridegroom," and "Valour’s minion"
• What does the Captain's description of Macbeth imply about his character?

  It shows he has admirable qualities beyond just being good in battle
• How does Macbeth's character change as he approaches the throne?

  He becomes more corrupt and loses his noble traits
• What does Macbeth's ascension to the throne signify?

  It is unrighteous, achieved through murder, lies, and betrayal
• How does Shakespeare explore the theme of power in Macbeth?

  He shows how power corrupts and impacts a king's reign on the country
• How does Macbeth's leadership differ from Duncan's?

  Macbeth is the least successful king, ruling through tyranny
• What does the audience learn about Macbeth's leadership from the soldiers' reports?

  They show he has failed to maintain order and trust
• What does Macbeth's acknowledgment of his violent control imply about his leadership?

  It shows he is callous and relies on fear
• What does Macbeth resent about Banquo and the Witches?

  His inability to produce an heir
• How does Macbeth express his feelings about the Witches' prophecy for Banquo?

  He complains about being given a "fruitless crown" and "barren sceptre"
• What does the reaction to Duncan's death reveal about his kingship?

  It shows the chaos and distress caused by his murder
• How does the atmosphere before Duncan's death reflect his kingship?

  It implies that nature is affected by his murder, indicating his importance
• What does Lennox's report about the night before Duncan's death suggest?

  It reflects chaos and destruction in the natural world
• What does the phrase "dark night strangles the travelling lamp" symbolize?

  It symbolizes the wickedness that now dominates the world after Duncan's death
• How does Shakespeare use the deaths of Duncan and Macbeth to comment on kingship?

  He contrasts their impacts on the environment to reflect their leadership styles
• What lexicon reflects the semantic field of chaos and destruction in relation to Duncan's murder?

  Words like "dire combustion," "clamoured," and "shake."
• What does the lexicon of chaos and destruction symbolize in relation to Duncan's murder?

  It symbolizes God's anger and wrath at being defied by Macbeth.
• What does the term "feverous" connote in the context of Macbeth's actions?


  It suggests that Macbeth's deed has brought sickness to the land.
• What are some references that echo the grief following Duncan's murder?

  "Lamentings," "strange screams of death," and "prophesying."
• What does Ross observe about the time of day after Duncan's murder?

  He notes that it is day, yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp.