Kingship

• Kingship


  When Shakespeare wrote Macbeth, kings and queens were properly in charge of the country
• King


  • Didn't have to be the old king's son
• Macbeth becomes King


  1. Kills the King and frames Malcolm and Donalbain

  2. Gradually, other characters realise Macbeth is not a true king
• Duncan

  • An example of an ideal king
• Malcolm describes good rulers and bad rulers

  • Good king: gracious, inspires loyalty, "most sainted king"
  • Bad king: Macbeth is described as a "tyrant" because he rules selfishly using violence
• Characteristics of a good king


  • Holy, persevering, humble, just, tolerant, stable, bounty, patience, courage, fortitude
• Characteristics of a bad king


  • Luxurious, avaricious, false, deceitful, sudden, malicious, madding
• Malcolm says a good ruler is holy because at the time people believed the King was appointed by God
• King of England, Edward


  • Has a "healing benediction" and uses "holy prayers to cure sick people", surrounded by "blessings" that "speak him full of grace"
• Macbeth

  • Described as "Devilish" as he commits murder and talks to evil witches, not the chosen King
• "fill me from the crown to the toe top-full Of direst cruelty!’
• "O valiant cousin! O worthy gentleman!"
• "All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter"