Kingship and Tyranny

under duncans rule

‘Signs of nobleness like stars shall shine / On all deservers" (1.4)

Duncan, having just named his son Malcolm as the heir to the throne, assures his court that other deserving individuals will also receive recognition and honors.

under macbeth’s rule: unnatural

“And Duncan’s horses... / Turn’d wild in nature... / 'Tis said, they eat each other.” (Act 2, Scene 4) Ross and an Old Man discuss the unnatural events following Duncan's murder,

under macbeth’s rule - suffering

“Bleed, bleed, poor country!” (Act 4, Scene 3) - Context:

Macduff, after fleeing Scotland, is in England with Malcolm, and he is expressing his despair at the state of Scotland and the tyranny of Macbeth.

renewal and winning

“By the grace of Grace, / We will perform in measure, time and place.” (Act 5, Scene 9) Malcolm acknowledges divine authority (“grace of Grace”) and promises measured, orderly leadership, symbolising a return to moral and divine order.

condemning those who go against the divine right

“This dead butcher and his fiend-like queen” (Act 5, Scene 9)

Malcolm condemns Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, drawing a line between tyranny and rightful rule—his words reinforce his moral clarity and fitness to lead.