Macbeth can be read as a political/propagandist text that confirms the right of divine kingship (such as James I’s right to rule as king of England after Elizabeth I’s death). Discuss this in relation to the ways in which themes on kingship and usurpation
...ing to generate success in reality can only end in disaster. As a consequence of Macbeth’s treason and usurpation of the throne, his character declines further still into a tyrannical and cruel leader. This is revealed through Macbeth’s arrangement to have Banquo and Fleance killed due to the threat that they pose to the throne. This act demonstrates Macbeth’s willingness to proceed at all cost in order to ensure his position on the throne even if it means the death of his once close friend. The development of Macbeth throughout the play from good to evil can be recognized as a result of his betrayal of the king, which consequently upset the order of the chain of being. This character representation supports the theme regarding the consequences of usurpation as it demonstrates that those who commit said crime will undoubtedly be subject to punishment, which in Macbeth’s case, occurred through his descent into a tyrannical ruler and his eventual death as a result. These consequences also reveal the danger in the appointment of a person to monarch not entitled to the divine right of kingship, such as Macbeth. Macbeth’s characterization demonstrates that as a person not entitled to the position which he held, he was subsequently made to pay with his life. The characterization of Lady Macbeth can be recognized as also following a declining pattern however, where her character and that of Macbeth’s differ is in the reality that her disposition was the means on which both parties acted and while Macbeth’s character reversal occurred from good to evil, Lady Macbeth’s originated in evil and as a consequence of this became aware of the horridness of her actions, eventually resulting in her mental decline and suicide. Lady Macbeth’s initial characterization as evil and unwomanly is demonstrated in the line, “and dashed the brains out (in reference to her child), had I so sworn as you have done to this” (2.3) as it revels the ruthless, conniving and unnatural nature of Lady Macbeth in that she has the ability to perform this feat, which naturally should be repulsive to all women. The revelation of Lady Macbeth’s descent into literal madness occurs in act 5, scene 1, in which a gentlewoman and a doctor discuss their patients mental capacity and Lady Macbeth interjects with the line, “The Thane of Fife had a wife. Where is she now? What, will theses hands ne’er be clean? No more o’ that, my lord, no more o’ that. You mar all with this starting.” These lines reveal Lady Macbeth’s recognition as evil the acts committed against Duncan and Malcolm, the rightful king, and her husband’s wrongful ascension to the throne. As a result the guilt regarding her role in each has affected her mental balance so as to cause insanity. The characterization of Lady Macbeth’s and her development of mental illness supports the theme regarding the consequences of usurpation. Through Lady Macbeth’s encouragement of her husband to commit the initial deed of murdering Duncan, the entire scheme was centred. In the absence of Lady Macbeth’s character, it is a likely possibility that Macbeth would decline to complete said plan, demonstrated in his doubt as to its necessity in act 2, scene 3, prior to the intervention of Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth’s role was therefore significant in Macbeth usurping the throne and as a consequence, she was duly punished through her descent into madness and eventually death at her own hands. These consequences light upon the theme of the divine right of kingship through demonstrating the possible consequences of interfering, even if only in support and encouragement, with the chain of being and particularly, the ascension to the throne of a person not possessing the entitlement. Lady Macbeth’s support and encouragement of Macbeth in this regard can be recognized as pertaining to this concept of opposition to the divine right of kingship and her development therefore acts as a consequence of her failure in this regard. The use of imagery is very important in defining and supporting aspects of a play. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the use of imagery regarding chaos and order can be recognized as demonstrating the consequences of usurpation and also the concept of the divine right to kingship. The imagery regarding chaos arises throughout the play and occurs in association with a number of different aspects, particularly the disorder of nature, animals and people, who all belong to a different aspect of the chain of being but are all affected accordingly at its disruption. Chaotic imagery concerning nature is demonstrated in the line, “Stones have been known to move and trees to speak” (3.4). This line reveals the unnatural incidences occurring throughout the kingdom and the chaotic nature into which nature has been flung. A line which reveals chaotic imagery in regard to animals is, “Turned wild in nature. Contending ‘gainst obedience, as they would make war with mankind.” The line demonstrates that through the animal’s wild behaviour they are rising above their place in the natural order through making war with humans, who are situated above them in the chain of being, which displays disorder through their attempt to rise above. Another demonstration of chaotic imagery occurs in act 3, scene 4 in which Macbeth invites everybody at his banquet to be seated in their natural order in an attempt to rectify the deterioration of order occurring around him. However, despite his attempts at order, he himself appears not to know his place through the line, “Both sides are even; here I’ll sit in the midst.” (3.4) Through assuming the wrong place at the table, Macbeth demonstrates the deterioration of order he is attempting to restore. The use of chaotic imagery throughout the novel serves to support the themes of the consequences of usurpation. As this act alters the chain of being, it is natural that disorder follows such an event and only rectifies itself at the restoration of order in association with the chain of being. Macbeth’s murder of the king and his ascension to the throne acts as the cause on which the consequences of usurpation act. Macb...