KINGSHIP

DUNCAN — “His virtues will plead like angels”*

What is Shakespeare showing?

Duncan is presented as a morally pure and divinely approved king.

How does he show it?

The simile “plead like angels” links Duncan to heavenly goodness.

Why does this matter?

It shows Duncan as the ideal king whose murder will disrupt natural order.

How does context deepen it?

Jacobeans believed good kings were chosen by God

MACBETH — “a tyrant’s feast”

What is Shakespeare showing?

Macbeth becomes a corrupt and oppressive ruler.

How does he show it?

Calling Macbeth’s rule a “tyrant’s feast” suggests excess

Why does this matter?

It contrasts rightful kingship with destructive

How does context deepen it?

Jacobeans feared tyrants because they believed bad kings brought divine punishment on the nation.

MALCOLM — “by the grace of Grace”

What is Shakespeare showing?

Malcolm’s kingship is legitimate and blessed by God.

How does he show it?

The repetition of “Grace” emphasises divine approval.

Why does this matter?

It restores moral and political order after Macbeth’s tyranny.

How does context deepen it?

Jacobeans believed true kings ruled through God’s authority

MACDUFF — “O nation miserable!”

What is Shakespeare showing?

Macduff recognises Scotland’s suffering under Macbeth’s illegitimate rule.

How does he show it?

The exclamation “miserable” conveys emotional and political despair.

Why does this matter?

It highlights how a corrupt king harms the entire country.

How does context deepen it?

Jacobeans believed a bad king poisoned the land and its people.

BANQUO — “I fear thou play’dst most foully for’t”

What is Shakespeare showing?

Banquo suspects Macbeth gained the crown through immoral means.

How does he show it?

The word “foully” contrasts with the “fair” kingship Macbeth should embody.

Why does this matter?

It exposes Macbeth’s kingship as illegitimate and tainted.

How does context deepen it?

Jacobeans believed a king must be honourable; foul play undermined divine order.

**LADY MACBETH — “look like the innocent flower

but be the serpent under’t”**

What is Shakespeare showing?

Lady Macbeth encourages deception to gain the crown.

How does he show it?

The contrast between “flower” and “serpent” shows false appearance hiding evil intent.

Why does this matter?

It reveals that their path to kingship is rooted in deceit

How does context deepen it?

The serpent symbol links Macbeth to Satan

**THE WITCHES — “All hail

Macbeth

What is Shakespeare showing?

The witches plant the idea of kingship in Macbeth’s mind.

How does he show it?

The prophetic greeting “hail” elevates Macbeth prematurely.

Why does this matter?

It shows Macbeth’s kingship begins with supernatural temptation

How does context deepen it?

Jacobeans believed witches could disrupt God’s order