How does Shakespeare use propoganda to maintain English nationalism

Shakespears Macbeth was written during the time of King James, who was the son of Mary Queen of the Scots. It was because of this Scottish heritage that there was anxiety within the public consensus of contemporary Britain, they did not wish for someone of Scottish blood to become king and take over England. Shakespears Macbeth acts to change this narrative and restore pride in Britain’s identity in the eyes of the public. Macbeth can therefore be propaganda against the Scottish. There are multiple points of service towards the propaganda against Scotland. The opening scene describes Macbeth as a savage killer, he is bloody and barbaric, being described as an executioner, this creates the initial picture of Macbeth as someone violent with little remorse in killing, allowing him to do the actions he needs to later in the play.We see Macbeth plagued by the idea of death during his soliloquy when the dagger calls for him, and he has no other choice but to accept it, it is in his violent Scottish nature to kill and thus he is just fulfilling his Scottish destiny. Compare this to MacDuff of English blood whose destiny is to kill Macbeth as the witches tell Macbeth no man born of woman can kill you and MacDuff was born from a c-section. MacDuff has a destiny to save Scotland and restore order, he is the true soldier and brave noble that Macbeth failed to be. The British identity celebrates this moment as he is invincible against Macbeth he will never fail as the British power will always prevail against Scotland. The British identity was worried about the new king and his Scottish blood but due to Shakespeare rewriting history this anxiety was released. He provides catharsis in the audience when Macbeth dies, the mad king is dead, and Britain has restored order, therefore in the eyes of the audience it is not Scotland with the power but England

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

When comparing two texts, where do I start?


How does Fitzgerald present and develop the theme of The American Dream in The Great Gatsby?


How do I write a good essay introduction?


How does Shakespeare present the theme of justice in King Lear?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences