macbeth

Subdecks (3)

Cards (175)

  • Kingship
    The state or position of being King, associated with attributes such as Power, Authority and wealth, but also carries a sense of unity. A king is a figurehead meant to provide guidance and Justice to the society they rule over.
  • McBeth is set in Scotland during the 11th century, so we need to understand how kingship in the Middle Ages was different to nowadays
  • Divine right of kings
    In the Middle Ages, Kings were believed to have been chosen to rule by God, giving them absolute power over the people
  • Great chain of being
    A social order for the world which placed the king ruling as God's representative over other humans and all of nature
  • When Shakespeare was writing, the Scottish King James I had recently become king of England as well, uniting the two countries
  • Duncan (the king whom McBeth later murders)

    • Kind, benevolent and just ruler
    • Rewards loyalty
    • Administers Justice
    • Responsible in naming an heir
  • Duncan's weaknesses
    • Capable of poor judgment
    • Over-reliance on his Thanes
  • McBeth's rule
    • Does not rule with love and generosity like Duncan
    • Becomes consumed by fear and paranoia
    • Commits violent acts of hubris
  • Shakespeare ends the play by showing the true line of succession restored, with Malcolm preparing to be crowned King
  • Prophecies on kingship
    The inciting incident for the treacherous and bloody actions of McBeth
  • Duncan rewards McBeth and Banquo for their service

    Characterizes Duncan as a generous and benevolent King who rewards loyalty and service
  • Duncan: 'I have begun to plant thee and will labor to make thee full of growing'
  • Duncan's virtues
    Make him seem Godly and kind, but also possibly hint at his weakness and over-trusting nature
  • McBeth's murder of Duncan disturbs the natural world, highlighting the illegitimacy of his kingship
  • McBeth: 'upon my head they placed a fruitless crown and put a Barren scepter in my grip'
  • McBeth's kingship
    Troubled by the Witch's prophecy over Banquo, and his fear and paranoia
  • McBeth's cruelty and villainy know no bounds as he orders the murder of Macduff's family
  • Malcolm
    • Restores peace to Scotland
    • Rewards his subjects, continuing the tradition of a true king
  • Shakespeare presents Malcolm as a change maker, with the title of Earl being a first for Scotland, paying homage to King James I