Macbeth- Kingship

kingship flashcards

Context

The King was considered to be God's representative on Earth - Jacobean times

The King should be chosen by divine right and be apointed

Macbeth - King

Represents a "bad" king

Macbeth quotes

'Bellona's Bridegroom'

'this dead butcher'

'avaricious'

'dwarfish thief'

'Bellona's bridegroom' - EXPLANATION

Initially, Macbeth was compared to the God of War and as a memorable hero - metaphor

'Bellona's bridegroom' - WHEN IN THE PLAY

Act 1, scene 2

'this dead butcher' - EXPLANATION

Malcolm's final words in the play - emphasises the negative impact Macbeth had on people

Macbeth's ambition and greed took control which led to his destruction

'this dead butcher' - WHEN IN THE PLAY

Act 5, Scene 8

'avaricious' - EXPLANATION

Macbeth's reign was motivated by selfish greed

'avaricious' - WHEN IN THE PLAY

Act 4, Scene 3

'dwarfish thief' - EXPLANATION

Macbeth's insulted by Malcolm which suggests how 'devlish' Macbeth really was - not the chosen King

'dwarfish thief' - WHEN IN THE PLAY

Act 5, Scene 2

Duncan - King

Represented a good King

An example to others

Shows great love for his country

During his reign, the country is ordered and peaceful

Duncan quotes

'Malcolm, whom we name hereafter'

'He was a gentleman on whom I built absolute trust'

'most sainted king'

'temperance'

'his virtues will plead like angels'

'Malcolm, whom we name hereafter' - EXPLANATION

Duncan anointed his son Malcolm as his heir so that the line of acension to the throne is clear and that Scotland will remain politically stable - to prevent political chaos

'Malcolm, whom we name hereafter' - WHEN IN THE PLAY

Act 1, Scene 4

'He was a gentleman on whom I built absolute trust' - EXPLANATION

Duncan trusted fully on the previous Thane of Cawdor yet he deceived him - naivity

Duncan is too trusting - he disregards betrayal easily and is a poor judge of character

'He was a gentleman on whom I built absolute trust' - WHEN IN THE PLAY

Act 1, Scene 4

'most sainted king' - EXPLANATION

Rightful ruler of Scotland

Anointed by God

'most sainted king' - WHEN IN THE PLAY

Act 4, Scene 3

'temperance' - EXPLANATION

Duncan thinks before he acts - he takes moderation in his actions

Calm and peaceful manner to not cause chaos

'temperance' - WHEN IN THE PLAY

Act 4, Scene 3

'his virtues will plead like angels' - EXPLANATION

Duncan's virtuous legacy (moral excellence) will continue to live on beyond death

'his virtues will plead like angels' - WHEN IN THE PLAY

Act 1, Scene 7

King Edward of England - King

Represents the concept that Kings were appointed by God

King Edward of England - Quotes

'healing benediction'

'He hath a heavenly gift of prophecy'

'Speak him full of grace'

'healing benediction' - EXPLANATION

He is blessed with the power to heal by God

Shows his holiness

'healing benediction' - WHEN IN THE PLAY

Act 4, Scene 3

'He hath a heavenly gift of prophecy' - EXPLANATION

God has blessed him with 'heavenly' abilities designed for good causes

CONTRAST to Macbeth who seeks out prophecy from the witches and in return indulges them in their evil

'He hath a heavenly gift of prophecy' - WHEN IN THE PLAY

Act 4, Scene 3

'Speak him full of grace' - EXPLANATION

'grace' - virtue given by God

He is considerate and thoughtful

'Speak him full of grace' - WHEN IN THE PLAY

Act 4, Scene 3