, Masculinity
Thesis statement: Through the various characters in Macbeth and their adherence to
the Great Chain of Being, Shakespeare explored ideas of ‘corrupt’ versus ‘ideal’
masculinity. His central message is to convey the notion that ‘ideal’ masculinity exists
solely within sanctioned boundaries and operates to serve the king, whereas ‘corrupt’
masculinity attempts to transcend these boundaries and neglects duty to the king.
o Para 1: Shakespeare explores themes of masculinity by highlighting legitimate
and illegitimate ways of being a man, notably linking ‘ideal’ masculinity with
orthodox and sanctioned behaviour
o Para 2: In the extract masculinity is presented as an instrument, which enables
power.
o Para 3: Shakespeare presents ‘corrupt’ masculinity as a catalyst for destruction,
this can be seen through Macbeth’s tragic downfall.
Conclusion Overall, it is clear in the extract and in the play as a whole, that
masculinity is presented as a force that, in the wrong hands, is capable of transcending
established boundaries, thereby disrupting the natural order. Macbeth epitomises this
theme, showcasing how ‘corrupt’ masculinity leads to tragic downfalls and unnatural
subversions, which are both underscored through his blatant contrast to other males in
the play, who all possess ‘ideal’ masculinity.
Kingship
Thesis statement: Shakespeare presents the theme of kingship through the four kings
in Macbeth: King Duncan, Macbeth, Malcom, and King Edward, each explore the
necessary attributes a king must possess, as well as the detrimental consequences of
illegitimacy. Shakespeare’s central message is to convey the enmeshment between
kingship and divine power in order to emphasise the exclusivity of kingship.
o Para 1: King Duncan, the first king presented in Macbeth, demonstrates the
necessary attributes a king must possess. He epitomises a virtuous and just
leader who enables Scotland to thrive under his rule.
o Para 2: Macbeth follows King Duncan’s reign and demonstrates the
detrimental consequences of an illegitimate king; under Macbeth’s rule,
Scotland is forced in complete chaos and disarray.
o Para 3: Malcom serves to confirm the importance of legitimacy by restoring
order to Scotland and demonstrating the necessary attributes a king should
possess.
Conclusion: Overall, it is clear in the extract and in the play as a whole, that kingship
is presented as an exclusive role that must be granted by a Divine power in order to
Thesis statement: Through the various characters in Macbeth and their adherence to
the Great Chain of Being, Shakespeare explored ideas of ‘corrupt’ versus ‘ideal’
masculinity. His central message is to convey the notion that ‘ideal’ masculinity exists
solely within sanctioned boundaries and operates to serve the king, whereas ‘corrupt’
masculinity attempts to transcend these boundaries and neglects duty to the king.
o Para 1: Shakespeare explores themes of masculinity by highlighting legitimate
and illegitimate ways of being a man, notably linking ‘ideal’ masculinity with
orthodox and sanctioned behaviour
o Para 2: In the extract masculinity is presented as an instrument, which enables
power.
o Para 3: Shakespeare presents ‘corrupt’ masculinity as a catalyst for destruction,
this can be seen through Macbeth’s tragic downfall.
Conclusion Overall, it is clear in the extract and in the play as a whole, that
masculinity is presented as a force that, in the wrong hands, is capable of transcending
established boundaries, thereby disrupting the natural order. Macbeth epitomises this
theme, showcasing how ‘corrupt’ masculinity leads to tragic downfalls and unnatural
subversions, which are both underscored through his blatant contrast to other males in
the play, who all possess ‘ideal’ masculinity.
Kingship
Thesis statement: Shakespeare presents the theme of kingship through the four kings
in Macbeth: King Duncan, Macbeth, Malcom, and King Edward, each explore the
necessary attributes a king must possess, as well as the detrimental consequences of
illegitimacy. Shakespeare’s central message is to convey the enmeshment between
kingship and divine power in order to emphasise the exclusivity of kingship.
o Para 1: King Duncan, the first king presented in Macbeth, demonstrates the
necessary attributes a king must possess. He epitomises a virtuous and just
leader who enables Scotland to thrive under his rule.
o Para 2: Macbeth follows King Duncan’s reign and demonstrates the
detrimental consequences of an illegitimate king; under Macbeth’s rule,
Scotland is forced in complete chaos and disarray.
o Para 3: Malcom serves to confirm the importance of legitimacy by restoring
order to Scotland and demonstrating the necessary attributes a king should
possess.
Conclusion: Overall, it is clear in the extract and in the play as a whole, that kingship
is presented as an exclusive role that must be granted by a Divine power in order to
