Themes: Dynastic Succession
In act 1, scene 4, Duncan makes the succession clear when he names Malcolm as Prince of Cumberland. Primogeniture, the system by which the eldest son of the king becomes the next king, is not automatic in this society, and if Malcolm had been unsuited to rule, Duncan could have chosen another successor, such as Macbeth.
Macbeth has no children and neither has Malcolm. The witches make it clear more than once that the eventual heir to the throne will come from Banquo’s line, likely starting with his son, Fleance. As soon as he has achieved his ambition to be king, Macbeth becomes incensed that he has committed treason and regicide in order to “make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!” Although he knew perfectly well that this was what he doing when he did it, Macbeth’s periodic rage that his reign will be “fruitless” and “barren” shows the importance of the dynastic line. James VI of Scotland, who had recently become James I of England when Macbeth was written, believed that he could trace his ancestry back to Fleance and Banquo, making this particular line of succession highly consequential for the play’s original audience, who would have seen it as further confirmation of their king’s right to the throne.
Expert Q&A
What does the phrase "Only for them, and mine eternal jewel Given to the common enemy of man, To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!" mean in Macbeth?
In the play "Macbeth", the phrase "Only for them, and mine eternal jewel Given to the common enemy of man, To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!" reflects Macbeth's deep frustration and regret. He laments that he sacrificed his salvation and committed regicide only to ensure the kingship of Banquo's descendants. This realization leads to bitterness, resentment, and further tyranny as he seeks to eliminate Banquo's line, marking his transformation from an ambitious man to a spiteful monster.
The theme and significance of kingship in Macbeth
The theme of kingship in Macbeth is significant as it explores the qualities of a good versus a tyrannical ruler. Through characters like Duncan and Macbeth, Shakespeare contrasts legitimate, benevolent leadership with destructive ambition and tyranny, highlighting the moral and political consequences of usurping power and the chaos that ensues when the natural order is disrupted.
The significance of Duncan naming Malcolm the Prince of Cumberland
The significance of Duncan naming Malcolm the Prince of Cumberland is that it designates Malcolm as the heir to the Scottish throne. This act creates a direct obstacle for Macbeth, who harbors ambitions to become king, thereby intensifying his resolve to remove any impediments to his ascension.
The impact of Duncan's sons fleeing on Macbeth
Duncan's sons fleeing impacts Macbeth by making it easier for him to seize the throne. With Malcolm and Donalbain gone, suspicion falls on them for their father's murder, allowing Macbeth to consolidate power without immediate challenge from the rightful heirs.
Why does Malcolm describe his restoration as "new planting" in Macbeth?
Malcolm describes his restoration as "new planting" to symbolize the renewal and hope for Scotland following Macbeth's tyranny. This imagery reflects a fresh start, where Malcolm, as the rightful heir, aims to sow peace and justice. Shakespeare consistently uses agricultural metaphors to convey growth and prosperity, as seen earlier with King Duncan's nurturing words to Macbeth and Banquo. Malcolm's use of "new planting" echoes his father's teachings and signifies a hopeful future for the nation.
Banquo's lineage and its impact on the succession of the throne
Banquo's lineage is significant because his descendants are prophesied to inherit the throne, impacting the succession in Macbeth. Although Macbeth becomes king through treachery, the witches’ prophecy suggests that Banquo's heirs will eventually rule, highlighting the theme of fate and the inevitability of rightful succession. This lineage is a source of anxiety for Macbeth, driving his further descent into tyranny and paranoia.
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