Abuse Of Power And Kingship

• What was a popular topic in England after James I ascended to the throne?

  What makes a good king
• What does Shakespeare compare in Macbeth regarding kingship?

  Different characters' approaches to their reigns
• How are kingship and power related in Macbeth?

  They are intrinsically linked
• What motivates many characters in Macbeth?

  The possibility of ascending the throne
• How does Shakespeare contrast characters in Macbeth?

  By their behavior towards power and after gaining it
• What qualities does Duncan possess as a king?

  Noble, nurturing, responsible, strong leader
• How does Duncan demonstrate benevolence as a ruler?

  By rewarding those who do good
• What does Duncan's simile about nobleness imply?

  Virtue and nobility are visible traits
• What does Duncan's statement about planting Banquo suggest?

  He is invested in his followers' success
• How does Duncan's reign contrast with Macbeth's?

  Duncan is a successful king, Macbeth is not
• What does Duncan's fair governance entail?

  Rewarding good and punishing traitors
• What does the exchange of titles at the beginning of the play signify?

  A stable and balanced country
• Why is Duncan's provision of an heir significant?

  It ensures political stability and security
• Who is Duncan's heir-apparent?

  Malcolm
• What does Duncan's trust in others suggest about his kingship?

  He is too trusting and dependent
• What dramatic irony exists in Duncan's trust in the Thane of Cawdor?

  Macbeth is plotting to murder him
• How does Duncan's trust lead to his downfall?

  He trusts Macbeth, who betrays him
• What does Shakespeare suggest about a king's goodness?

  It is vulnerable to deceit from others
• How does Macbeth's character change throughout the play?

  He becomes more corrupt as he seeks power
• What does Macbeth's ascension to the throne signify?

  It is unrighteous and based on murder
• How does Shakespeare explore the theme of power in Macbeth?

  By showing how it corrupts individuals
• What is Macbeth's leadership style compared to Duncan's?

  Macbeth is callous and ineffective
• What do the soldiers' reports about Macbeth's leadership reveal?

  They show a lack of trust and love
• What does Macbeth's acknowledgment of his violent control imply?

  He is aware of his tyrannical nature
• What does Macbeth's lack of heirs signify?

  His poor kingship and emasculation
• How does Macbeth feel about Banquo's prophecy?

  He resents Banquo for having heirs
• What does the reaction to Duncan's death indicate?

  It reflects the chaos of his murder
• How does nature react to Duncan's murder?

  It reflects chaos and distress
• What does Lennox's report about the night imply?

  It suggests nature is disturbed by murder
• What does the semantic field of chaos in Duncan's murder suggest?

  It shows the unnaturalness of his death
• What does the term "feverous" imply about Macbeth's deed?

  It suggests disease brought to the land
• How does the atmosphere before Duncan's death foreshadow events?

  It implies nature's disapproval of murder
• What does Ross observe after Duncan's death?

  Darkness entombs the earth
• What does Ross's observation about darkness imply?

  It reflects the chaos following Duncan's death
• How does the reaction to Duncan's death compare to Macbeth's death?

  Duncan's death brings chaos, Macbeth's does not
• What role do the Witches play in Macbeth's actions?

  They influence his decisions and fate
• What is the significance of supernatural elements in Macbeth?

  They highlight themes of fate and ambition
• How does ambition affect characters in Macbeth?

  It leads to their downfall and chaos
• What impact does guilt have on Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

  It drives them to madness and despair
• How do Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's relationship dynamics change?

  They shift from partnership to conflict