Macbeth

• At the start of the play he has all the qualities of a great king - he is shown to be brave in battle which makes it ironic that he commits the cowardly act of killing Duncan in his sleep.
• His good traits disappear once he becomes king and as he gets closer to the throne he becomes more corrupt.

  The audience are able to see the direct contrast between the way Duncan and Macbeth rule
• His ascension to the throne was unrighteous as he has cheated the divine right of kings and therefore God. Shakespeare uses this to explore how power corrupts the minds of men and the effect a kings reign has on their country.
• Callous leadership


  His country has lost all its "love" and "heart" which shows how unsuccessful he has been at maintaining order and loyalty from his people
• Death of a king

  Duncan's death- distressing, atrocious > nature reacts badly (God protesting Macbeth's actions) , his death is the death of God's chosen representative on earth

  Macbeth's death- celebrated, moment of liberation in Scotland > "hellhound' - devil, evil > contrast from him at the beginning of play > shows what corrupt kingship can do