The Importance of Duncan’s Murder in Macbeth Essay examples

The Importance of Duncan’s Murder in Macbeth In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the repercussions of Macbeth murdering his King are very numerous. Through themes that include, imagery, soliloquies, atmosphere, and supernatural beings, Shakespeare enforces the magnitude of Macbeth’s crime. Most of these factors are linked together. One of the main ways in which the horror of the murder is underlined is through the Great Chain of Being. At the time this play was written, it was believed that there was a hierarchy in the universe, with God being at the top, then angels, then the King, then man, and finally animals. This meant that the King was God’s representative on earth, and so if a rebel were to attack the King, he would be†¦show more content†¦In killing Duncan, Macbeth goes against the great chain of being. He attacks God through killing Duncan; he undermines God’s authority on earth, which will lead to God being very angry, and eternal damnation for Macbeth. By losing the rightful King, Scotland can only become a worse place, and this is what happens – â€Å"Poor country; It cannot be call’d our mother, but out grave† (Act four, scene three, line 164). Duncan was a great King, and for a king of his power and greatness to be sacrificed to the ambition of someone l ike Macbeth shows the magnitude of the murder. Duncan’s character backed up his status– he was very generous, such as in giving Macbeth the title of the Thane of Cawdor. But his naivety was his fault as a King, and it is partially what led to his downfall. When Macbeth defends him on the battlefield, he describes Macbeth as a â€Å"Valiant cousin†¦Worthy gentleman† (Act 1 Scene 2 L.24). He praises Macbeth in a regal way – â€Å"More is thy due than more than all can pay†¦I have begun to plant thee, and will labour to make thee full of growing† (Act 1 Scene 4 L.21, 28). By nurturing Macbeth in this way, he builds up his confidence, and gives him the confidence to carry out his ambitions. Horror is built up here through Macbeth taking advantage of the King’s solitary weakness – naivety. Horror is also built up from the irony which Shakespeare creates inShow MoreRelatedThe Tragedy Of Macbeth By William Shakespeare1571 Words   |  7 PagesMacbeth, written by William Shakespeare, is the telling of a tragic tale that encompasses the necessities needed to showcase the impact king Duncan’s death has as the play develops. As the play evolves, it conveys Macbeth’s overwhelming loss for power, showcasing how this fatal flaw leads to his destruction. After murdering king Duncan and taking the throne of Scotland, Macbeth becomes a tyrant and it is displayed how significantly traumatised he becomes by his decision. The play emphasises Duncan’sRead MoreMacbeth Secondary Character Analysis1063 Words   |  5 PagesHowever, this is erroneous. In the play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, the secondary character, Lady Macbeth, has a huge impact in the development of the play. The change of Macbeth’s personality from a phlegmatic and melancholic charact er to a ruthless tyrant is only possible due to the intrusion of Lady Macbeth. Challenging Macbeth’s manhood, orchestrating Duncan’s murder and annihilating any suspicion upon Macbeth are the key highlights of the role of Lady Macbeth. Trigger. A gun simply cannot fireRead MoreMeaning Of Blood In Macbeth1318 Words   |  6 Pagesplay, Macbeth. Macbeth contains a copious amount of blood imagery, but not all of the imagery has to mean anything, or have the same exact meaning. Blood is omnipresent literally and figuratively throughout the play. What does blood actually mean in Macbeth? Some say blood represents the Macbeths’ guilt, and some include greed. 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There are numerous reasons why this is, not only does this classic play have a fascinating story and characters, it also has countless themes that still present valuable lessons to be learnt in this day and age. One of those important lessons shown in this dramatic play includes the deceptive natureRead MoreMacbeth, By William Shakespeare1045 Words   |  5 PagesBlood appears in only two forms, but many times in Macbeth by William Shakespeare; between the war scene at the beginning of the play and the lifting of Macbeth’s severed being lifted by Macduff at the end. It can be said that Macbeth could have been written in blood that there is such a large amount. What is unique about blood in Macbeth is that the â€Å"imaginary blood† or the guilt that the murderer feels plays more of a role of understand and amplifying the theme of the play, that blood is guiltRead MoreMacbeth, By William Shakespeare Essay1487 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"Every action has a reaction†. Macbeth by William Shakespeare is a tale which illuminates the consequences of violating the â€Å"Natural order†, the hierarchy of beings in the universe. When Macbeth, a warrior well-known for his co urage and bravery, murders King Duncan acting on his unchecked ambition to claim the throne, the order was disrupted, the result†¦chaos. Shakespeare uses symbolism to illustrate the atmosphere of the play as the natural order is flung into a state of turmoil. These techniques