Explain how Macbeth presents Kingship in the play

Shakespeare presents kingship as a protective and sacred barrier designed to bring peace and order for the subjects of Scotland. However, Shakespeare also reveals that by disrupting this powerful force as a result of unchecked ambition, it can deteriorate that calming presence. By healing the chaos and disorder, restoration can happen forcing evil to leave the world.
Initially, Shakespeare uses kingship as a protective and sacred force, made to eliminate evil, as seen in the community of "gracious Duncan." This introduces Duncan as a noble and virtuous king, indicating that Scotland is under a stable rule and establishes that an ideal kingship existed before disruption. Soon immediately after Macbeth’s act of sacrilege, his unchecked ambition results in him unable to "sleep no more," he begins to hear imaginary voices, suggesting that innocence is permanently destroyed. Through this transition from good into evil, Shakespeare highlights the importance of the Jacobean beliefs of "Great Chain of Being" and shows that if the chain was to break, chaos and disorder would ignite.
Moreover, Shakespeare develops on this the idea of destruction to peace and to the initial calming presence. When Macbeth’s mind is "full of scorpions," due to his fear of losing control. He worries about Banquo and Fleance threatening him, showing how guilt can turn into paranoia. Eventually, as a result of his killing spree, Macbeth is "in blood stepped in so far," after murdering his closest comrade Banquo. He is now isolated in violence, highlighting how violence is irreversible. Through the fractured Natural Order, Shakespeare critiques the idea of unchecked ambition and shows the dangers that can occur.
Furthermore, towards the end of the play, a sense of restoration is created; healing all of the world’s good. In Malcolm’s final judgement of both the Macbeths he illustrates their "fiend-like" nature and specifically names Macbeth as a "dead butcher." He shows their moral collapse as a couple and condemns their corrupted leadership over Scotland. Malcolm was first appointed by Duncan as heir to the throne, in which he loses due to Macbeth’s "vaulting ambition." Through Shakespeare’s choice of returning Malcolm at the very end to the throne in those final moments, he enables the restoration of peace to occur and channels all of the evil that had entered through unnatural means out of Scotland.

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AIStandard feedback

Mark

17/20

Mark breakdown

AO113/15
AO34/5

Paragraphs feedback

The introduction effectively sets the stage for the discussion on kingship, but it could benefit from a clearer thesis statement that outlines the main points you will explore. Consider explicitly stating how Shakespeare presents kingship through the characters and events in the play. This will help guide your reader and strengthen your argument (AO1).
The third paragraph presents a compelling argument about Macbeth's descent into violence and paranoia. To improve, you could include more direct quotations to support your claims, such as Macbeth's reflections on his actions. This would enhance the textual evidence and strengthen your interpretation (AO1).
In the final paragraph, you conclude with a strong point about restoration and the return of Malcolm. However, it would be beneficial to elaborate on how Malcolm's leadership represents the ideal kingship compared to Macbeth's. This would provide a clearer contrast and reinforce your argument about the nature of kingship (AO1).

What went well

The essay presents a clear understanding of the theme of kingship in 'Macbeth' and effectively discusses the consequences of unchecked ambition.
The structure of the essay is logical, with a clear progression from the introduction to the conclusion, making it easy for the reader to follow the argument.

Even better if

To achieve a higher grade, incorporate more direct quotations from the text to support your points. For example, when discussing Macbeth's paranoia, you could include his specific thoughts or lines that illustrate his mental state.
Enhance the analysis of characters by exploring their motivations and the implications of their actions on the concept of kingship. For instance, discuss how Duncan's murder not only disrupts the natural order but also affects the people of Scotland.

AO feedback

To improve AO1, focus on developing a more critical style by integrating more textual evidence and analysis. For instance, when discussing the consequences of Macbeth's actions, include specific quotes that illustrate his transformation and the impact on kingship.
For AO3, enhance your understanding of context by discussing the societal and political implications of kingship during Shakespeare's time. This could include how the belief in the divine right of kings influenced the characters' actions and the play's themes.

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