How does Shakespeare pay homage to James I in ? Homage: special honour or respect shown publicly. By Elouisa

The Supernatural… Shakespeare used the witches and other elements of the supernatural in Macbeth because it added a dramatic effect to the play. James I (the new monarch) was very interested in the supernatural at that time, so Shakespeare used the supernatural to pay homage to him, as well as an intention to impress him!

Banquo is James’ ancestor… Along with Duncan, Banquo will also become a victim of Macbeth’s ambitions. Since Macbeth’s closest friend and the King trust him, the audience see that Duncan will die and that Banquo is in danger of therefore adding to the treachery of Macbeth: “King Duncan: conducted me to mine host; where he allowed him highly, And shall continue our graces towards him”. Treachery: betrayal of trust; deceptive action or nature.

Kingship and Loyalty… King Duncan should have been honoured and loved, so his murder was unnatural. After the murder, the majority of the other characters are unaware that Macbeth is the murderer, but as they speak we can see that the unnatural events reflect the contrast between King Duncan and Macbeth, when Duncan was alive. Kingship: the dignity or rank/position of a King.

Coups against Kings… Before Duncan’s death, Malcolm, as Prince of Cumberland, is the rightful heir to the throne. However when King Duncan dies and Macbeth is not only granted the title of the Thane of Cawdor, but also credited the title of the Prince of Cumberland. If Macbeth, rather than Malcolm, is the Prince of Cumberland then Macbeth would be next in line to the throne and therefore no coup is needed. This pays homage to James I because it shows that the most important character in Macbeth (and this character is Macbeth!) is to become King after James. Coups: a sudden appropriation of leadership or power; a takeover.