Lecture Notes: Macbeth's Violation of Kingship

Key Themes

Appearance vs. Reality

• Key Quote: "The false face must hide what the false heart doth know" (Act 1, Scene 7)
  • Meaning: Emphasizes deceit and the theme of appearance vs. reality.
  • Duplicitous Nature: Macbeth is two-faced with intentions; appears noble and brave but is deceitful and malevolent (evil).
  • Language Devices: Repetition of "false" emphasizes his illegitimate claim to the crown.

Violation of Kingship

• Macbeth’s actions reflect his attempt to deceive others and violate the divine right of kings, showing he is not the rightful king.
• He lacks nobility, morality, and a pious nature.

Symbolism and Motifs

Motif of Clothing

• Key Quote: "Why do you dress me in borrowed robes?"
  • Meaning: Clothing symbolizes temporary and removable status (e.g., title of king).
  • Symbolism: His kingship is not permanent due to sinful acquisition and is a borrowed status.
  • Foreshadowing: Temporary nature of Macbeth's power and kingship.

Act 5 Connection

• Quote by Angus: Macbeth’s title "hangs loose" like a Giant's robe on a dwarfish thief reflects the motif of clothing, emphasizing his unsuitability for kingship.

Analysis and Interpretation

Kingship and Synonyms

• Key Quote: "Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown" (Act 3, Scene 1)
  • Diction & Placement: "Placed" suggests careful crafting, not naturally given, reinforcing unnatural kingship.
  • Adjective 'Fruitless': Contrasts with the idea of a king being fruitful in leadership and morality.

Conscience and Awareness

• Macbeth’s conscience is aware of his violation of foundational beliefs like the Great Chain of Being and the Divine Right of Kings.
• Regicide: Killing the king equates to the ultimate sin against God, leading Macbeth to continue on a tyrannical path.

Contextual Understanding

Jacobean Era Beliefs

• Great Chain of Being & Divine Right: Seen as foundational facts of life during the Jacobean era.
• Macbeth’s Awareness: His violation of these beliefs demonstrates awareness of his sin and inevitable punishment.
• Tyrannical Rampage: Result of his acknowledgment of his irreversible sins.

Vocabulary and Analysis Terms

• Lexus/Diction: Word choice, e.g., "borrowed" and "fruitless."
• Transient: Temporary, fleeting nature of Macbeth’s power.
• Antithesis: Macbeth as the opposite of a rightful king.