Tyranny and absolutism
Alan Sinfield is the main critic; he discusses the hazy line between legitimate absolutist rule and tyranny. For example, when Macbeth kills Macdonwald, he is praised and heralded champion of the State, whereas when he murders the root of the State, the monarch, this is fully condemned.
Monopoly of legitimate violence. People don’t even considers the violence of the State as violence.
Ideology of Absolutism - the English State represented as a pyramid, any disturbance would produce general disaster, insisted upon the ‘divine right’ of the monarch. This system was naturalised and perceived to be ordained by God.
the divine king must be uniquely legitimate. The King James reading supports the Absolutist State.
Key passages in Macbeth: Macduff family slayings are a key turning point in terms of moral deterioration.
cyclical potential tyranny of Macduff - the endorsed violence of Malcolm when inciting Macduff
Lady Macbeth's 'tyrannical' inversion of nature.
Malcolm and Macduff's discussion about who should be the next ruler and the nature of tyranny.
Key passages in Henry IV
Worcester's accusatory speech against King Henry
the rebel camp's planning of military strategy.
maybe Falstaff's honour soliloquy?
Falstaff tries to enlist the nobility but they are actually the most cowardly. Raises questions about the performativity of chivalry and undermines class stereotypes.
. I presse me
none but good House-holders, Yeomens Sonnes: enquire
me out contracted Batchelers, such as had beene ask'd
twice on the Banes: such a Commoditie of warme slaues,
as had as lieue heare the Deuill, as a Drumme; such as
feare the report of a Caliuer, worse then a struck-Foole,
or a hurt wilde-Ducke
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