Tyrannicide in Macbeth

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"It is trew indeed, that all the successe of battels, as well as other worldly things, lyeth onely in Gods hand.... But upon that generall to conclude, that hee ever [always] gives victory to the just quarrel, would prove... enemies of the people of God to have oft times had the just quarrell against the people of God, in respect of the many victories they obtained against them." - James VI and I, The Trew Law of Free Monarchies (1598)

"And although some [lawful kings]... very rarelie may be cut off by the treason of some unnaturall subjects, yet liveth their fame after them, and some notable plague faileth never to overtake the committers in this life, besides their infamie to all posterities hearafter" - James VI and I, Basilikon Doron (1603)

In 1603 King James VI of Scotland published The Trew Law of Free Monarchies and a revised and expanded version of Basilikon Doron in London for his new English subjects (McIlwain, ix; Kinney, 61). Basilikon Doron , which was entered in the Stationer's Register on March 26, 1603 (only one day after Elizabeth's death and James' accession were announced), became immediately popular as Londoners sought an introduction to their new king (--). Shakespeare may or may not have read these pamphlets, but as a member of the newly-appointed King's Players it was certainly in his best interest to become familiar with the attitudes of his patron. We can imagine that one of Shakespeare's goals must have been to gain the King's favor without losing relevence for a wider audience. Macbeth seems to be one attempt at such a compromise. Since Henry Paul's The Royal Play of Macbeth in 1971, many have argued that Macbeth - rich with topical allusions to James' ancestry, events of ...

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...eth's skill as king, Shakespeare seems to have flattered James and tried to smooth over the potential discrepancy between James' theories and potential readings of the play.

* Banquo line and Shakespeare's innocent Banquo

* Elimination of Macbeth's 10 years of successful reign

Tyrannicide in Macbeth

* Presentation of rightful king Malcolm - like Machiavelli's fox

* Presentation of avenger Macduff - guilty for leaving wife and kids? Is his action endorsed by heaven if all of his family is killed? (compared with Fleance's escape)

* Banquo's position: not pro-tyrannicide

* Malcolm, Macduff, and Angus' belief in providence in their rebellion - support in co-rebellion of natural world?

* Repeated pattern- victorious captain serving/protecting King in Macbeth to Duncan and Macduff to Malcolm. Significance?

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