Kingship in Macbeth
Kingship is a revolving theme in Macbeth accentuated by different dynamics of
kingship presented by Malcolm, Macbeth and Duncan. Shakespeare
consciously constructs and engineers Kingship to actively mirror the ascension
of James I to the throne and demonstrate “virtues” that were significant for a
good monarch during the Jacobean Era. Kingship is further established as a
microcosm for pure propaganda reinforcing King James multiple agendas
including the objection of the witches and need for compliance from the
masses towards monarchy due to his own being unstable.
In Act 4 Scene 3, Malcolm, the body politic of Scotland, challenges Macduff's
loyalty who is the lead antagonist of ‘Macbeth’ by reclaiming the true and
moral attributes for a monarch: “Fit to govern? No, not to live […] tyrant”.
Macduff is observing Macbeth through his rejection and dismay of the fate of
his current country, due to Macbeths “tyrannic” ruling. He suggests Scotland is
“miserable” as it's governed by a usurper who betrayed God through The
Divine Rights of Kings. Furthermore, the rhetorical question followed by
Macduff's response, “Fit to govern? No, not to live.” is cathartic to the
audience as he pronounces Macbeths inadequate and corruptive ruling to
embody the suffering of death itself. Shakespeare portrays Malcolm as the
epitome of a dedicated, courageous and honest King who symbolises as a foil
to Macbeths hamartia- pure ambition. He worries for Scotland's fate by
personifying it as miserable heightened from Macbeths façade fading away as
his role of Scotland's King progresses. Shakespeare deliberately emphasises its
importance to an extent where Scotland's corruption reflects a despairing
human. Thus, Macbeths corruption and failure of Kingship presents the
consequences of breaking the hierarchical structure created by God and how it
does not only lead to the death of Macbeth himself but also vulnerability upon
Scotland.
Arguably, perhaps Duncan also does not enable noble and strong
characteristics of a King either. Duncans hamartia is instantly recognised by his
gullibility and tendency to over trust whereas Malcolm juxtaposes his father by
displaying healthy scepticism and yet carries his body politic of Scotland.
Macbeth observes this and takes it to his advantage: “mis faculties so meek […]
so clear in his great office […] plead like angels, trumpet tongued.” The
submissive adjective, “meek” surfaces compliant and passive undertones,
heightening Duncans gullibility; providing clear access and benefit for Macbeth
Kingship is a revolving theme in Macbeth accentuated by different dynamics of
kingship presented by Malcolm, Macbeth and Duncan. Shakespeare
consciously constructs and engineers Kingship to actively mirror the ascension
of James I to the throne and demonstrate “virtues” that were significant for a
good monarch during the Jacobean Era. Kingship is further established as a
microcosm for pure propaganda reinforcing King James multiple agendas
including the objection of the witches and need for compliance from the
masses towards monarchy due to his own being unstable.
In Act 4 Scene 3, Malcolm, the body politic of Scotland, challenges Macduff's
loyalty who is the lead antagonist of ‘Macbeth’ by reclaiming the true and
moral attributes for a monarch: “Fit to govern? No, not to live […] tyrant”.
Macduff is observing Macbeth through his rejection and dismay of the fate of
his current country, due to Macbeths “tyrannic” ruling. He suggests Scotland is
“miserable” as it's governed by a usurper who betrayed God through The
Divine Rights of Kings. Furthermore, the rhetorical question followed by
Macduff's response, “Fit to govern? No, not to live.” is cathartic to the
audience as he pronounces Macbeths inadequate and corruptive ruling to
embody the suffering of death itself. Shakespeare portrays Malcolm as the
epitome of a dedicated, courageous and honest King who symbolises as a foil
to Macbeths hamartia- pure ambition. He worries for Scotland's fate by
personifying it as miserable heightened from Macbeths façade fading away as
his role of Scotland's King progresses. Shakespeare deliberately emphasises its
importance to an extent where Scotland's corruption reflects a despairing
human. Thus, Macbeths corruption and failure of Kingship presents the
consequences of breaking the hierarchical structure created by God and how it
does not only lead to the death of Macbeth himself but also vulnerability upon
Scotland.
Arguably, perhaps Duncan also does not enable noble and strong
characteristics of a King either. Duncans hamartia is instantly recognised by his
gullibility and tendency to over trust whereas Malcolm juxtaposes his father by
displaying healthy scepticism and yet carries his body politic of Scotland.
Macbeth observes this and takes it to his advantage: “mis faculties so meek […]
so clear in his great office […] plead like angels, trumpet tongued.” The
submissive adjective, “meek” surfaces compliant and passive undertones,
heightening Duncans gullibility; providing clear access and benefit for Macbeth
