kingship vs tyranny

Duncan … hath been So clear in his great office, that his virtues
Will plead like angels

Act 1 Scene 7 - Macbeth knows what a good king is - he says Duncan has been such a good, humble, and virtuous king

That tears shall drown the wind

Act 1 Scene 7 - A mark of a great king is reflected in the people’s opinion - Scotland will be in universal grief

O horror, horror, horror!

Act 2 Scene 3 - reveals that the murder of a king is not just a human crime, but a catastrophic violation of the universe

Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope / The Lord’s anointed temple and stole thence / The life o’ th’ building.

Act 2 Scene 3 - The King was believed to be appointed by God. Macduff is not just calling Duncan a good man; he is calling his body a holy building. Without the King, the "building" (Scotland) is just an empty shell

A falcon, tow'ring in her pride of place, / Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed.

Act 2 Scene 4 - Nature reflects the "unnatural" act of a subject killing a king

I fear, Thou play'dst most foully for'

Act 3 Scene 1 - Banquo has suspicions that Macbeth used ill-means to become the king

A most indissoluble tie For ever knit

Act 3 Scene 1 - Despite Banquo’s suspicions, he chooses to be loyal to his king

Royalty of nature

Act 3 Scene 1 - Macbeth feels threatened by Banquo as he demonstrates all the attributes of a true, moral and loyal king

Upon my head, they placed a fruitless crown…Barren sceptre

Act 3 Scene 1 - t reveals Macbeth’s growing realisation that while he has the title of King, he lacks the security and future that make kingship meaningful

Is he dispatch'd?

Act 3 Scene 4 - This marks the full transition of Macbeth from a warrior to a tyrant. He hires others to do his "dirty work." He has become a puppet-master who views lives as obstacles to be "dispatch'd

Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck

Act 3 Scene - Macbeth’s tyranny has now affected his relationship with his wife - he is becoming duplicitous towards her by not informing her of Banquo’s murder