Overview

• contrasts the qualities of a good king with the dangers of a tyrant to explore the responsibilities of leadership.
• King Duncan is shown as a fair and generous ruler.
• while Macbeth, after seizing power through murder, rules with fear, violence, and paranoia.
• Shakespeare highlights the difference between rightful leadership and corrupt power.
• warning that true kingship must be based on justice, loyalty, and the good of the people, not personal ambition and cruelty.