Macbeth †Kingship Essay

The role of the king in Medieval society was blessed by God and enjoyed almost portend status. The queen regnant embodied the moral and social welfare of his subjects and, with this in mind, the theme of Kingship can easily be understood. In the fit kingship is so significant a theme that Shakespeare presents four versions of it. Firstly, there is the begin, almost ideal kingship of Duncan, whose attain constitutes the perversion of this ideal. This is followed by the tyrannical reign of the usurper Macbeth.King Edward, though an indirect character, he represents the opposite to Macbeths reign of terror, Edwards represents the capacity for absolute goodness. Finally, speculation remains as to Malcolms potential as future King of Scotland. Although a work in process he is the sovereign flower and Macbeth is seen as the weed. Gracious Duncan is the first example of a benign and worthy King. From his introduction in Act 1 Scene 2 to his untimely death in Act 2 Scene 2, Duncan appear s to have been the ideal King, who exemplified the King becoming graces.He is admired by his subjects for his justice, gratitude, generosity and compassion. He is generous in his praise of those whom he feels have served him well, in particular Macbeth, O worthiest cousin/ More is thy collectible than more all can pay. However, he is not entirely without fault, his weakness is displayed in his overly-trusting nature that leads to his death. The trust he places in others is noble in a King. Duncans murder, therefore, is unnatural, a crime against the course of nature.Yet nevertheless does this stop Macbeth, and he commits regicide and succeeds to the can as a usurper but no kinda has he killed Duncan does he wish him alive again showing his inner turmoil and guilt as a reluctant criminal wake Duncan with thy knocking, i would thou couldst. Macbeths unlawful accession to the thrown upsets the natural devote by the clock tis day, and yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp .M acbeth acquires proponent illegally and abuses it when he has it, to the detriment of his country, killing all those who oppose his rule and speak of fear send out more horses, skirr the country round, hang those that clack of fear . however, he is unhappy in his great office. The achievement of power has not brought him contentment, To be thus is nothing but to be safely thus. His reign, for which he playd most foully is marked by tyranny, corruption and death, as Scotland sinks. Lennox speaks of the suffering Scotland under Macbeths ower that a swift blessing may short return to this our suffering country, under a hand accursed .Macbeth is only able to maintain his power only by resorting to murder and terror against his subjects, the murder of Macduffs family in Act 4 Scene 2 is an astonishing crime caused by his own fears over his place as king. Under his reign, Scotland, sinks infra the yoke/It weeps, it bleeds and each new day/A new gash is added to her wounds. Edward , King of England, provides a welcome alternative to the cruelty of Macbeth. There is a pointed argument between Edward and Macbeth. Macbeth used his power for destruction and ruination.However Edward, like Duncan, was chosen by God. He is a true and rightful King and is seen as a saintly force with miraculous cures. speak him full of grace. He is a fitting opponent to the cruelty of Macbeth. The absolute goodness of King Edward highlights the oppose forces of good and evil in the play. The final image of kingship in the play revolves around Malcolm. His function in the play is highly significant as it is his vocation to restore the status quo. As the rightful heir to the throne, the son of a good King and a holy mother, his smooth accession to the throne secures his word sense by his subjects.Not only does this entitle him to the kingship, but it also promises a beinign reign. However, Malcolm is young and ineffectual and seems a slight figure to dispel the dark foul of Macbet hs reign, His hasty departure following the murder of his father was a healthy decision for the survival of his line. Shakespeare allows for Malcolms maturing and he quickly grows into his role realising before mistakes he has made Unspeak mine own detraction here abjure the taints and blames i laid upon myself, for strangers to my nature.His caution which he has learned from his fathers mistakes are laudable and desirable in a future king and he displays none of the naivete of his father. He subjects Macduff to an elaborate tests to assure his loyalty to Scotland and he recalls the king-becoming graces, Justice, loyalty, temperance, stableness, bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, devotion, patience, courage, fortitude. His succession to the throne is significant in restoring the natural order, and it is evident that he will use his power for purposes of good. The future of Scotland looks bright under the new King, .The theme of kingship in the play Macbeth is indeed a crucia l one. There seems to be more to attaining power than merely sitting on the throne. One must be a King and inherit rightfully by succession, and thereby prosper with the grace of God. Malcolm, like Edward and Duncan, is the rightful heir to the throne. With the death of Macbeth, and Malcom as the rightful heir , the universal order is finally restored and Scotland will thrive again. Under Macbeth, Scotland suffered and it is clear then that a countrys suffering or prosperity is a direct check of the moral nature of its King.