Macbeth_As_Political_Statement

Macbeth As Political Statement Writers throughout history have used their works to share their thoughts or opinions on many political topics. Some even make political statements that readers can relate to current political events hundreds of years later. William Shakespeare does just this in his play Macbeth. One idea that Shakespeare discusses is kingship and loyalty. In the beginning of the play, Macbeth clearly states what the responsibilities of the people, including himself are to the king and the state (Act I, Scene IV, Lines 28-30): “Our duties are to your throne and state, Children and servants; which do but what they should, By doing everything safe towards your love and honour.” Macbeth until Act II does just as he says he should. When Macbeth is tempted with power and kingship, his loyalty to Duncan and Scotland is lost. The outcome of Macbeth’s acts show that to betray your king and to throw out loyalty is to destroy society and throw nature into disarray. This loyalty, ruler, people, king, country, macbeth, state, political, countries, act, throw, should, shakespeare, scene, present, play, nature, nationalism, kingship, just, idea, duncan, complete, absolute, years, writers, works, william, warning, until, towards, topics, today, throughout