Kingship

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

  1. In the play, Macbeth suddenly becomes King, even though he's not the heir to the throne. Duncan chooses his eldest son as his heir, but he makes Macbeth next in line after Malcolm and Donalbain. Historical Context - In Scotland at the time, the successor didn't have to be the King's eldest son, even though it often was.

  2. Macbeth wins the throne by killing the King and framing Malcolm and Donalbain after they have "stol'n away and fled". Gradually, other characters realise Macbeth is not a true king.
• Who is described as an ideal king in Malcolm's speech?

  Duncan
• How is Duncan characterized as a king?

  He is "gracious" and inspires loyalty
• What title do subjects give to Duncan?

  "Most sainted king"
• Why is Macbeth referred to as a "tyrant"?

  He rules selfishly and uses violence
• What does the infrequent reference to Macbeth as "king" imply?

  Others do not accept him as true King
• What qualities does Malcolm attribute to a bad king?

  "Bloody, luxurious, avaricious, false, deceitful"
• What does "avaricious" mean in the context of Malcolm's description?

  Motivated by selfish greed
• How does Malcolm describe Macbeth's use of violence?

  He describes him as "bloody"
• What are some qualities of a good king according to Malcolm?

  "Justice, verity, temperance, stableness"
• Which qualities of Duncan does Malcolm highlight as king-becoming graces?

  Temperance, lowliness, justice, bounty
• What does "temperance" refer to in the context of a good king?

  Calm and peaceful manner
• How does Duncan show "lowliness" as a king?

  By being humble and grateful for loyalty
• What does "bounty" signify in Malcolm's description of a good king?

  Generosity towards subjects
• What does "justice" mean in the context of a good king?

  Fairness in dealing with betrayal
• What are the characteristics of a bad king as described by Malcolm?

  • Bloody
  • Luxurious
  • Avaricious
  • False
  • Deceitful
  • Sudden
  • Malicious
• What are the characteristics of a good king as described by Malcolm?

  • Justice
  • Verity
  • Temperance
  • Stableness
  • Bounty
  • Perseverance
  • Mercy
  • Lowliness
  • Devotion
  • Patience
  • Courage
  • Fortitude
• A good king should be holy

  1. Malcolm also says that a good ruler is holy - at the time, people believed the King was appointed by God.

  2. 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".

  3. In contrast, Macbeth is "Devilish" - he commits murder and talks to evil witches. He's not the chosen King.
• Shakespeare's Techniques


  Under Duncan's rightful reign, the country is ordered and peaceful. Macbeth's unlawful reign is reflected in the overturned natural order, e.g. day turns to night and horses eat each other.