Kingship

• Introduction


  In "Macbeth," Shakespeare explores the theme of kingship through various characters and events, contrasting the noble qualities of a good king with the tyranny of a usurper.

  
  

  King Duncan is portrayed as the ideal king, honoured and loved, whose murder by Macbeth is seen as a crime against nature, symbolised by unnatural events like a falcon being killed by an owl and Duncan's horses turning wild.

  
  

  Macbeth, on the other hand, becomes a tyrant, feared and resented. His reign is marked by fear, lies, and a reign of terror, highlighting the stark difference between a rightful king and a tyrant. This contrast is further exemplified in Macbeth's own recognition of Banquo's "royalty of nature," feeling inferior to Banquo's natural leadership qualities. Shakespeare's portrayal of kingship in "Macbeth" serves as a commentary on the nature of power, leadership, and the consequences of usurping the throne through treachery​
• Conflict as Central Theme:

  "His brandished steel which smoked with bloody execution" and "The tyrants people on both sides do fight" highlight the continuous presence of conflict, from the battlefield to internal struggles, emphasising its importance in the play.
• Macbeth's Inner Conflict:


  "I am his kinsman" "as his host" "I have no spur...but only vaulting ambition" reflects Macbeth's internal conflict, torn between loyalty, duty, and his overpowering ambition.
• Instigators of Conflict:


  "Leave all the rest to me" "All hail Macbeth- that shalt be King hereafter" illustrates how Lady Macbeth and the witches catalyze conflict, influencing Macbeth's path.
• Valor in Battle:


  "Unseamed him from the nave to the chops" "Valiant cousin" "brave Macbeth" presents conflict in a positive light initially, as Macbeth's valor is celebrated.
• Duncan's kinship


  "I have no spur...but only vaulting ambition" "...hath been so clear in his great offices" "Whose murder is yet but fantastical" shows Duncan as a just king, making Macbeth's decision to murder him more conflicted.
• Duncan's Trustworthiness and Malcolm's Learning:

  "Give me your hand/ conduct me to mine host" "You have loved him well/ he hath not touched you yet" suggests Duncan's excessive trust as a flaw, while Malcolm learns from his father's weaknesses.
• Malcolm's Rightful Claim:


  "By the grace of grace" "And the powers above/ put on their instruments" signifies Malcolm's divine right to the throne.
• Macbeth's Tyrannical Rule:


  "Duncan is in his grave/ after life's fitful fever he sleeps well" "What I am is thine and my poor countries" "I have no spur" contrasts Macbeth's selfish rule with Malcolm's concern for Scotland.