Key Quotations
Theme of Kingship
Points to be made i.e. Analysis of
Quotation about how a character Language and Devices Links to Context
or theme presented and Structure
Duncan: ‘But signs of Theme of light and dark. Shakespeare has presented It is significant that he has a
nobleness, like stars, shall Duncan in a positive and warm heart because during the
Duncan is a good King and
commendable light whereas Jacobean era they believed the
shine/ On all deservers’ Malcolm is the rightful,
Macbeth as a contrast to king was appointed by God
deserving King who is restored
him-‘stars shall shine.’ This is a which meant that the people
to the throne at the end.
Act contrast between Duncan and looked up to the king.
Appearance and reality. Macbeth; Duncan is open-
minded and direct whereas
Macbeth: ‘Stars, hide your
Macbeth is quiet and malicious.
fires; Let not light see my Duncan being open-minded
black and deep desires.’ and direct costs him his life.
Moreover, the use of the simile
‘but signs of nobleness like stars
shall shine.’ Duncan is praising
Malcolm, which conveys that
he has a warm heart as he is
praising everyone. Shakespeare
presents Duncan in a warm way
to display how a king should
really be. Macbeth is turning to
the darkness of the witches.
I have begun to plant thee, Duncan is telling Macbeth and Duncan uses a metaphor or a The Jacobeans believed in the
and will labour to make Banquo is has ideas for their growing plant to reflect that natural order of things and
future to enhance their power. he has ambitious ideas and felt people were punished if
thee full of growing will give them more power and they overreached their position
Plant imagery
influence. Banquo completes in society. Therefore, Banquo
Act 1 Scene 4 Duncan’s extended metaphor to will trust that Duncan has
illustrate that the two of them the power to makes the right
are on the same wavelength. decisions in his future.
In Holinshed’s Chronicles,
King Duncan is depicted as a
young, weak man. Shakespeare
possibly does not adhere to this
presentation because of the
Jacobean belief of the Divine
Right of Kings. Despite his
brief appearance Duncan is
presented as a ‘gracious King’.
‘There’s no art to the mind’s
construction in the face. He
was a gentleman on whom
I built An absolute trust.’
1
Theme of Kingship
Points to be made i.e. Analysis of
Quotation about how a character Language and Devices Links to Context
or theme presented and Structure
Duncan: ‘But signs of Theme of light and dark. Shakespeare has presented It is significant that he has a
nobleness, like stars, shall Duncan in a positive and warm heart because during the
Duncan is a good King and
commendable light whereas Jacobean era they believed the
shine/ On all deservers’ Malcolm is the rightful,
Macbeth as a contrast to king was appointed by God
deserving King who is restored
him-‘stars shall shine.’ This is a which meant that the people
to the throne at the end.
Act contrast between Duncan and looked up to the king.
Appearance and reality. Macbeth; Duncan is open-
minded and direct whereas
Macbeth: ‘Stars, hide your
Macbeth is quiet and malicious.
fires; Let not light see my Duncan being open-minded
black and deep desires.’ and direct costs him his life.
Moreover, the use of the simile
‘but signs of nobleness like stars
shall shine.’ Duncan is praising
Malcolm, which conveys that
he has a warm heart as he is
praising everyone. Shakespeare
presents Duncan in a warm way
to display how a king should
really be. Macbeth is turning to
the darkness of the witches.
I have begun to plant thee, Duncan is telling Macbeth and Duncan uses a metaphor or a The Jacobeans believed in the
and will labour to make Banquo is has ideas for their growing plant to reflect that natural order of things and
future to enhance their power. he has ambitious ideas and felt people were punished if
thee full of growing will give them more power and they overreached their position
Plant imagery
influence. Banquo completes in society. Therefore, Banquo
Act 1 Scene 4 Duncan’s extended metaphor to will trust that Duncan has
illustrate that the two of them the power to makes the right
are on the same wavelength. decisions in his future.
In Holinshed’s Chronicles,
King Duncan is depicted as a
young, weak man. Shakespeare
possibly does not adhere to this
presentation because of the
Jacobean belief of the Divine
Right of Kings. Despite his
brief appearance Duncan is
presented as a ‘gracious King’.
‘There’s no art to the mind’s
construction in the face. He
was a gentleman on whom
I built An absolute trust.’
1
