Macbeth's Divine Kingship

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👑 Part 1: Understanding Divine Right of Kings

1. Read the summary below and complete the definition:

The Divine Right of Kings was a Renaissance belief that monarchs were appointed by _______ and answerable only to _______. This meant that to disobey or challenge a king was not just treason, but also a sin against God.

2. Which of these qualities would Renaissance people expect in a divinely appointed king? (Tick all that apply)

Wisdom and justice

Military strength

Moral purity

Wealth and luxury

Divine favour and blessing

3. How might believing that kings are chosen by God affect how people behaved towards their ruler?

📖 Part 2: Textual Analysis - Macbeth and Kingship

4. Read this extract from Act 1, Scene 7, where Macbeth considers murdering Duncan:

"He's here in double trust: First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the knife myself."

What does this reveal about Macbeth's understanding of his duty to the king?

5. Duncan is presented as an ideal Renaissance king. Which quotation best shows this?

"O worthiest cousin!" (praising Macbeth's loyalty)

"There's no art to find the mind's construction in the face" (about trust)

"I have begun to plant thee, and will labour to make thee full of growing" (nurturing his subjects)

6. How does Macbeth's ambition clash with Renaissance beliefs about divine right? Use evidence from the text.

Sentence starter: Macbeth's desire to become king contradicts divine right because...

7. After murdering Duncan, Macbeth says he heard a voice cry "Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep." How might this reflect Renaissance beliefs about the consequences of killing a divinely appointed king?