Macbeth
Prompt #30 · Macbeth
Prompt Type: Relationship/Contrast
Analyze the contrast between Macbeth's tyrannical rule and Malcolm's vision of legitimate kingship as expressed in his self-accusations to Macduff and his final restoration of order. How does Shakespeare use this contrast to explore the theme of tyranny versus rightful authority? Explain how it contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole.
Quote 1
“the king-becoming graces, / As justice, verity, temp’rance, stableness, / Bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, / Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude, / I have no relish of them;”
Act IV, Scene 3
Argument
This quote represents Malcolm's side of the contrast, as he lists the 'king-becoming graces' (justice, temperance, mercy, etc.) while falsely claiming to lack them—the catalog itself defines legitimate kingship in opposition to Macbeth's tyranny. The ironic self-accusation serves to test Macduff's loyalty while establishing the moral framework for rightful authority.
Quote 2
“I grant him bloody, / Luxurious, avaricious, false, deceitful, / Sudden, malicious, smacking of every sin / That has a name”
Act IV, Scene 3
Argument
This quote represents Macbeth's side of the contrast, cataloging his tyrannical vices ('bloody, luxurious, avaricious, false, deceitful') that directly oppose the king-becoming graces Malcolm later reveals. The accumulation of sins defines tyranny as the complete absence of legitimate royal virtues.
Quote 3
Act V, Scene 8
Argument
This quote represents Malcolm's side at the moment of restoration, as Macduff's proclamation 'the time is free' signals the end of tyranny and the return of legitimate authority. The contrast between 'King' (Malcolm) and 'usurper' (Macbeth) crystallizes Shakespeare's exploration of rightful versus illegitimate rule.
Quote 4
“I have liv’d long enough: my way of life / Is fall’n into the sere, the yellow leaf; / And that which should accompany old age, / As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, / I must not look to have; but, in their stead, / Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath, / Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not.”
Act V, Scene 3
Argument
This quote represents Macbeth's side of the contrast, as the tyrant recognizes he lacks the very qualities ('honour, love, obedience, troops of friends') that define legitimate kingship and instead receives only 'curses' and 'mouth-honour'—the isolation and fear that characterize tyrannical rule versus the loyalty and love that accompany rightful authority.
Quote 5
“Alas, poor country, / Almost afraid to know itself! It cannot / Be call’d our mother, but our grave,”
Act IV, Scene 3
Argument
This quote represents Malcolm's side of the contrast, as the personification of Scotland as 'our grave' rather than 'our mother' captures the destructive impact of Macbeth's tyranny on the nation—establishing the urgent need for Malcolm's restoration of legitimate order that will heal the wounded country.