kingship and tyranny Flashcards
how does shakespeare show different versions of leadership
1 he shows what makes a good king
2 king Duncan seems like a perfect king - always shown in a positive light
3 puts good of country first and is a fair ruler
how is duncan presented
as a father figure to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
they feel he shows weakness as a leader
what is Duncans weakness
1 his kind nature as he trusts those around him to easily
2 he is betrayed twice by close friends- firstly Thane of Cawdor rebels against him and then Macbeth murders him
how is Macbeths character the opposite to Duncan
1 he trusts no one, cares for no one only for his power
2 he kills anyone who gets in his way
why does the country fall into chaos and violence under Macbeth’s rule
he is an unfit ruler acting only in his own interest and not hsi people
what happens to the throne at the end of the play
taken by Malcom who promises to restore order that Macbeth destroyed
how does Shakespeare present Malcom
1 middle ground between Duncan and Macbeth
2 he cares for his country and people
3 stands up to those who oppose him
what is the context
1 when this play was written Jame 1 had been king for 3 years and had written essays on kinship
2 James saw himself as an absolute Monarch - having complete control
3 he believed god had put him on the throne
quotes
“his virtues will plead like angels” when Macbeth tries to talk to himself out of killing Duncan he describes the quality that makes him a good king
“the castle Macduff I will surprise sieze the sword. His wife, his babes and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line” as king Macbeth becomes a tyrant, kills innocent people without hesitation
