Kingship In Macbeth: A Complete Essay Plan, With Quotes & Analysis

Summary

In this video, Mr. Everything English breaks down the concept of kingship in Shakespeare's *Macbeth*, exploring its significance both literally and symbolically. He explains how kingship was perceived during the Jacobean era, with kings seen as God's representatives on earth. The speaker then discusses key quotes from the play, illustrating how Macbeth's ambition to seize the throne disrupts the divine order and causes societal chaos. He also highlights the witches' role in challenging kingship and how other characters like Lady Macbeth and Macduff are linked to the struggle for or against kingship. The video provides an insightful guide for understanding this central theme in the play.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kingship in *Macbeth* symbolizes power, justice, and religion in the Jacobean era, with the king viewed as God's representative on Earth.
• 😀 Macbeth’s desire for kingship destroys him mentally, as shown in his soliloquy where he describes his brain as 'oppressed' and manipulated by ambition.
• 😀 The Great Chain of Being theory emphasizes that Macbeth’s rise to power disrupts the natural order, contributing to his inner torment and eventual downfall.
• 😀 Lady Macbeth’s ambition for Macbeth to become king also grants her power, as her status rises with his, highlighting her role in the pursuit of kingship.
• 😀 The witches play a crucial role in manipulating Macbeth, choosing him as their pawn to destroy the concept of kingship, which they oppose due to its association with God.
• 😀 Macbeth’s visit to the witches in Act 4, Scene 1, where he begs for more prophecies, shows how far he’s fallen from the noble image of kingship.
• 😀 The witches call Macbeth 'wicked' and dehumanize him, signaling how he has corrupted the very idea of what a king should represent.
• 😀 The phrase 'Instruments of Darkness tell us truths only to betray us' reflects how the witches purposefully manipulate Macbeth, setting him up for his own destruction.
• 😀 Macbeth’s initial promotion as Thane of Cawdor is tied to the Jacobean ideal of kingship: strength, ruthlessness, and power—qualities that he embraces, albeit destructively.
• 😀 Kingship in *Macbeth* is presented as a force so powerful that its destruction leads to societal collapse, evidenced by the chaos that follows Duncan’s death.

Q & A

What is the central theme of kingship in Macbeth as discussed in the video?

The central theme of kingship in *Macbeth* revolves around the king being seen as a symbol of power, justice, and divine right. The video emphasizes that in the Jacobean era, the king was viewed as God's representative on Earth, and the destruction of kingship symbolized the collapse of society and its values.

How does Macbeth's soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 1 reflect the theme of kingship?

Macbeth's soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 1 reflects the theme of kingship by showing how his desire for power and kingship mentally torments him. His 'oppressed brain' illustrates how the pursuit of kingship is destroying him, revealing the psychological cost of seeking the throne.

What role does the 'Great Chain of Being' play in Macbeth's suffering?

The 'Great Chain of Being' is a concept in the Jacobean era that placed the king as the divinely chosen leader. Macbeth suffers because, by murdering King Duncan, he disrupts this natural order. He is not the rightful heir, which contributes to his psychological and moral downfall.

What is the significance of the witches in Macbeth's quest for kingship?

The witches play a pivotal role in Macbeth's quest for kingship. They choose him because of his potential to fulfill their prophecy, not because they have a personal vendetta. They represent dark forces that aim to subvert the divine order by manipulating Macbeth to destroy the legitimate kingship.

How does Macbeth’s interaction with the witches in Act 4, Scene 1 further degrade the concept of kingship?

In Act 4, Scene 1, Macbeth goes to the witches with a begging bowl, desperate for more prophecies. This undermines the king's traditional role as a powerful, godly figure. His desperate reliance on the witches shows how far he has fallen from the idealized, divinely appointed king.

Why are the witches referred to as 'instruments of darkness' in relation to Macbeth's kingship?

The witches are referred to as 'instruments of darkness' because they knowingly manipulate Macbeth to betray the natural order and the concept of divine kingship. They feed him half-truths that ultimately lead to his and Scotland’s ruin, highlighting their malevolent role in corrupting kingship.

What does the quote 'Something wicked this way comes' reveal about Macbeth's transformation?

The quote 'Something wicked this way comes' signals that Macbeth has fully embraced evil. It marks his transformation from a noble warrior to a tyrant, dehumanized and 'wicked.' The witches' description of him as wicked contrasts sharply with the traditional qualities of a king, further highlighting his corruption.

How does the video explain the witches' motivations in selecting Macbeth to become king?

The witches are not motivated by a personal grudge against Macbeth but by their opposition to the idea of kingship itself. They aim to destroy the symbol of the king as God's representative on Earth. By selecting Macbeth, they undermine divine kingship and bring chaos to Scotland.

How does the video link Macbeth’s character to the societal expectations of kingship in the Jacobean era?

The video explains that kingship in the Jacobean era was expected to be embodied by powerful, merciless men who could rule with strength. Macbeth, initially viewed as a brave and capable warrior, fulfills these expectations, which is why he is promoted and why the witches target him. However, his rise to power ultimately distorts the ideal of kingship.

What does the video suggest about the broader implications of Macbeth’s actions on Scottish society?

The video suggests that Macbeth's actions, particularly the murder of King Duncan, have catastrophic consequences for Scotland. The disruption of the natural order and the collapse of kingship leads to chaos, with characters like Malcolm, Donalbain, and Macduff fleeing or rebelling. The play shows that kingship is the glue that holds society together, and its destruction causes societal breakdown.