Divine Right and Macbeth

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Renaissance king with crown and royal regalia

👑 Part 1: Understanding Divine Right

1. What does "Divine Right of Kings" mean?

Kings are chosen by the people through voting

Kings rule because God has chosen them to rule

Kings inherit their position from their fathers only

Kings must prove their worth through battle

2. According to Renaissance beliefs, what would happen to someone who rebelled against a king?

They would be forgiven if they apologised

They would commit both treason and sin against God

They would become the new rightful ruler

Nothing would happen to them

3. Which of these would Renaissance people believe about King Duncan? (Check all that apply)

He was chosen by God to rule Scotland

Killing him would be a sin against God

He has absolute authority over his subjects

His subjects can challenge his decisions if they disagree

📖 Part 2: Macbeth and Divine Right

4. In Act 1 Scene 7, Macbeth struggles with the idea of killing Duncan. Complete this quote about Duncan:

"He's here in _________ trust; first, as I am his kinsman and his _________, who should against his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife myself."

5. How does Macbeth's understanding of divine right create conflict for him?

6. Find one quote from Act 1 that shows Macbeth knows killing Duncan would be wrong according to Renaissance beliefs about kingship:

7. Why might Shakespeare's audience in the Renaissance have been shocked by Macbeth's actions?

🤔 Part 3: Analysis and Reflection

8. Is Macbeth driven purely by personal ambition, or is he influenced by Renaissance beliefs about kingship? Explain your answer with evidence from the text.

9. How does understanding the Divine Right of Kings help us understand Macbeth's behaviour and internal conflict?

10. What do you think Shakespeare might be saying about the dangers of absolute power through Macbeth's story?