Abuse of power & kingship

• Who ascended to the throne unexpectedly, leading to discussions about kingship in England?

  James I
• What was a significant topic of discussion in England following James I's ascension?

  The qualities that make a good king
• What ongoing conflict was present in England during James I's reign?

  The religious conflict between Protestants and Catholics
• How does Shakespeare compare different characters in Macbeth regarding their reigns?

  By showing some characters as successful and others as unsuccessful
• What is the relationship between kingship and power in Macbeth?

  They are intrinsically linked
• Who is contrasted with Duncan in terms of kingship in Macbeth?

  Macbeth
• What qualities does Duncan possess as a king?

  He is noble, nurturing, responsible, and a strong leader
• How does Duncan's successful reign contrast with Macbeth's kingship?

  Duncan's reign emphasizes how disastrous Macbeth is as a king
• How does Duncan demonstrate his benevolence as a ruler?

  By rewarding those who do good
• What does Duncan's statement about "Signs of nobleness like stars shall shine" imply?

  Virtue and nobility are visible traits that distinguish individuals
• What does the simile "like stars shall shine" connote in relation to Duncan's rule?

  Divine power and the promise of reward in the afterlife
• How does Duncan express his investment in his followers?

  By stating he will labor to make them full of growing
• What does the semantic field of agriculture suggest about Duncan's character?

  It presents him as nurturing and considerate
• How do even Duncan's enemies view him?

  They admire the way he rules
• What does Macbeth acknowledge about Duncan's qualities?

  That Duncan is a good king
• What are the key aspects of Duncan's fair governance?

  • Rewards those who do good
  • Punishes traitors
  • Maintains stability and balance in the kingdom
• What does Duncan's order to execute the Thane of Cawdor signify?

  It shows his commitment to justice and maintaining order
• How does Duncan ensure political stability?

  By providing the country with an heir
• Who is announced as Duncan's heir-apparent?

  Malcolm
• What does Duncan's trust in others suggest about his character?

  He may be too trusting and dependent on others
• What dramatic irony exists in Duncan's trust in his Thanes?

  Macbeth is plotting to murder him despite being trusted
• What does Duncan's reflection on the previous Thane of Cawdor reveal?

  He has a poor judge of character
• How is Macbeth initially described in the play?

  As brave and valiant
• What happens to Macbeth's noble traits as he approaches the throne?

  They seem to disappear as he becomes more corrupt
• How does Macbeth's ascension to the throne differ from Duncan's?

  Macbeth's is unrighteous, based on murder and betrayal
• What does Shakespeare explore through Macbeth's reign?

  How power corrupts the minds of men
• How does Macbeth's leadership differ from Duncan's?

  Macbeth is the complete opposite in terms of morality and approach
• What do the soldiers' comments about Macbeth's leadership reveal?

  He has been unsuccessful at maintaining order and trust
• What does Macbeth's acknowledgment of his violent control imply?

  He is aware of his callous nature and the fear he instills
• How does Macbeth feel about his lack of heirs?

  He feels emasculated and resentful
• What do the Witches' prophecies for Banquo imply for Macbeth?

  Banquo's sons will be kings, while Macbeth has no successors
• How does Duncan's death affect the kingdom?

  • It brings about apocalyptic chaos
  • Nature is disturbed, reflecting God's anger
  • The atmosphere becomes filled with grief and foreboding

  
• What does Lennox's report about the night before Duncan's death suggest?

  That Duncan's murder has gone against nature
• What does the term "feverous" imply about the state of the land after Duncan's murder?

  It suggests that Macbeth's deed has brought sickness to the land
• How does Ross's observation about darkness after Duncan's death symbolize the situation?

  It symbolizes the wickedness that now dominates the world
• What does the phrase "dark night strangles the travelling lamp" imply?

  That darkness and evil have overtaken the light and goodness
• What does the imagery of darkness and light in relation to Duncan's death suggest about kingship?

  It reflects the need for a good monarch to provide stability and security
• What role do the Witches play in influencing Macbeth's actions?

  They prophesy his rise to power, sparking his ambition
• What is the significance of Banquo's character in relation to Macbeth?

  Banquo represents the threat to Macbeth's power and ambition
• How does Lady Macbeth influence Macbeth's decisions?

  She manipulates him to pursue his ambition and commit murder