Macbeth Is A Good King Essay

What is a Good King? In his famous philosophical work, The Prince, Niccolo Macchiavelli says, “It is better to be feared than to be loved, if one cannot be both.” Throughout literature, leaders frequently grapple with such a difficult dilemma of which to be, as both seem to be equally good or bad options to maintain rule. In his play, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Shakespeare contrasts Macbeth’s rule of fear using murder and deceit to Edward’s choice to rule using love and healing. Near the beginning of the play, Macbeth’s aspirations to become king are heightened by a prophecy from the Weïrd Sisters, who promise him the throne. When Duncan promises to pass his kingship to his son Malcolm, Macbeth’s jealousy gets the better of him. Macbeth kills

Thriftless ambition, that will ravin up thine own lives’ means. Then ‘tis most like the sovereignty will fall upon Macbeth,” to which Macduff responds, “He is already named and gone to Scone to be invested” (2.4.39-44). Macbeth’s deceit of the thanes leads him to become king of Scotland, proving to him for the first time that his plan of murder and lies works perfectly. Macbeth’s success in his endeavors proves that his way to power is requires the suffering and pain of others, and that any means are justified if it results in getting him where he wants to be. Macbeth worries that Banquo’s children may have a chance to become king, as per the witches prophecies. He plans to assasinate Banquo and his son Fleance, so that his own son could be the next king. The

While Edward is only in the story for a brief period of time, he clearly commands great respect, and rules using his kindness and love. During a conversation between Malcolm and the newly fleeing Macduff, a doctor interrupts and tells Malcolm, in a report of the king, “There are a crew of wretched souls that stay his cure. Their malady convinces the great assay of art, but at his touch they presently amend” (4.3.161-165). King Edwards priorities lie with healing his people, not hurting them like Macbeth. His kindness and love are how he rules, making him a better king. When Macduff asks Malcolm what disease it is that he cures, Malcolm responds with admiration, saying, “A most miraculous work in this good king… All swoll’n and ulcerous, pitiful to the eye, the mere despair of surgery, he cures… that speak him full of grace” (4.3.169-181). Edward’s choice to be a loving and good king not only benefits himself, giving him the respect and loyalty of those around him, but it also benefits the people that he rules. In addition, Edward likely inspires Malcolm to be a better king during his stay, and to rule with his love, not violence and