Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" indeed explores the interconnectedness of the king, society, and nature. He weaves various elements and symbolism throughout the play to depict this relationship. Here are some examples and clues that demonstrate the interconnectedness:
1. The Chain of Being: Shakespeare often refers to the Great Chain of Being, a hierarchical structure that places God at the top, followed by the angels, kings, nobles, common people, animals, and finally, plants. Any disruption to this natural order is believed to lead to chaos and disaster. In "Macbeth," the disruption caused by Macbeth's ambition and regicide upsets the natural order.
2. The Storm: Nature responds to the upheaval caused by Macbeth's actions. After King Duncan's murder, a severe storm occurs, symbolizing the unrest in both the political and natural realms. Ross, in Act 2, Scene 4, comments on the storm's unnatural behavior, saying, "Threescore and ten I can remember well; Within the volume of which time I have seen / Hours dreadful and things strange; but this sore night / Hath trifled former knowings."
3. The Unnatural Events: Throughout the play, unnatural occurrences in nature foreshadow tragic events. For instance, after Duncan's death, horses are said to eat each other, owls hunt falcons, and Duncan's horses are reported to have gone wild. These events signify the disorder caused by Macbeth's regicide.
4. The Witches: The witches are supernatural beings in the play who represent the unnatural and the disruption of the natural order. They plant the seed of ambition in Macbeth's mind and catalyze the chain of events leading to tragedy.
5. Divine Right of Kings: Shakespeare explores the concept of the divine right of kings, where kings are believed to be chosen by God and their authority is sacred. Macbeth's usurpation of the throne challenges this belief and causes chaos in society and nature.
6. The Motif of Sleep: The disruption caused by Macbeth's actions is reflected in the sleeplessness experienced by various characters. Sleeplessness signifies the guilt and turmoil caused by Macbeth's ambition and the resulting political and societal instability.
7. Malcolm's Restoration: Malcolm's return to Scotland and the eventual restoration of the rightful king symbolize the restoration of the natural order and the end of the chaos caused by Macbeth's reign.
In "Macbeth," Shakespeare brilliantly intertwines the actions of the characters with the reactions of nature and society, showcasing how the fate of the king and the state are deeply interconnected with the natural order. The disruption of this interconnectedness through ambition and regicide leads to tragic consequences for all involved.