Themes Notes 3 Date: Objectives “each new morn Take notes on the themes of Macbeth Understand the point, ideas and reasons for reading Macbeth Warm-up – take down the quote and answer the question. “each new morn New widows howl, new orphans cry, new sorrows Strike heaven on the face”(Macduff, Act 4.3) Describe the mood in this quote.

Theme Three: Kingship / Leadership In medieval times, a king was not just a political leader, he was a divine link between his people and God. It was important therefore, that the king was a holy person full of virtue. Duncan was considered such a man, even by Macbeth who says; “the gracious Duncan have I murdered” (Act 3.1) Gracious refers to having been visited by the graces of the Holy Spirit. (Do we expect our leaders or representatives to be religious?)

Theme Three: Kingship / Leadership To kill a king was not only wrong; it was dangerous. It was an insult to heaven and to God to kill his representative on Earth. Macbeth recognises this as he says; “his virtues / Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against / The deep damnation of his taking-off” (Act1.7) The greatest tribute to Duncan is Ross’ description that heaven is so offended by his murder that the sun refuses to shine; “by th’ clock tis day / And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp” (Act 2.4) (Do you hold anyone to this level – that to wrong them is to wrong the world).

Theme Three: Kingship / Leadership While Duncan is portrayed as holy, Macbeth is depicted as evil. The gates of his castle are compared to the gates of hell. Macbeth believes his soul is doomed to the underworld; “mine eternal jewel / Given to the common enemy of man” (Act 3.1) While Duncan and Edward (King of England) was devout Christians, Macbeth is presented as one who has offended God so badly that he cannot pray at all. As he says; “Wherefore could I not pronounce amen” (Act 2.2) (At this point consider your own religious beliefs. Even those who aren’t religious often don’t want to do anything to offend God)

Theme Three: Kingship / Leadership One of the Kings main duties in medieval times was giving and receiving honours. The lords of the realm would pay the King homage, swearing to serve and be faithful. The King would reward this with titles, land and riches. Macbeth receives these honours; “Go pronounce his present death And with his former title greet Macbeth” (Act 1.2)(Thane of Cawdor) (Think of what promotions you will get in your desired career?)

Theme Three: Kingship / Leadership Similarly, Malcolm at the end grants titles to his generals, making them earls and the first noblemen in Scotland; “Henceforth be earls, the first that ever Scotland In such an honour named” (Act 5.9) (Think of what promotions you will get in your desired career?)

Theme Three: Kingship / Leadership Under Macbeth’s rule, however, this systems of honours breaks down. Instead of rewarding his Thanes, Macbeth punishes them. He kills Banquo and puts Macduff’s family, as he says; “to th’ edge o’ th’ sword His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls” (Act 4.1) Everyone is afraid to talk to Macbeth in fear they will be next. (Lesson – can you think of leaders who rule through fear?)

Theme Three: Kingship / Leadership The King’s most important duty was to protect his people. Macbeth fails in this regard as well. Death and murdering become so commonplace in his kingdom that people no longer ask who died; “the death man’s knell Is there scarce asked for who” (Act 4.3) Macbeth’s soldiers roam the streets and anyone who is thought to be a traitor is killed. As a result, nobody wants to talk to anybody, for fear of their lives. This is Macbeth’s kingdom. (You may remember Maslow’s Pyramid of needs from CSPE. What do people need to be safe and happy?)

Theme One: Appearance versus Reality Conclusion Macbeth fails to perform any of the duties of a king. He is not holy nor a link to God. Instead he seeks the guidance of dark forces. He does not honour his Thanes but kills them. He does not protect his people but oppresses them. The contrast of Macbeth to Duncan and Edward is clear. Only when a rightful king sits the throne can there be peace.

Cooldown I think, I know, I wonder.