Macol’s Accession and the Return of Tyranny

The Killer

This flow follows Macol’s military return, defeat of Macbett, accession, and explicit promise to rule more viciously.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Heir Returns The Heir Returns from "The Killer". The Heir Returns A New Claimant Lady Duncan announces that Macol has returned from Carthage with a powerful army.

The Heir Returns from "The Killer". The Heir Returns A New Claimant Lady Duncan announces that Macol has returned from Carthage with a powerful army.

The Heir Returns A New Claimant Lady Duncan announces that Macol has returned from Carthage with a powerful army. Macbett’s Isolation The news reveals that Macbett’s victory has not secured durable loyalty across the country.

The Forest Advances The Forest Advances from "The Killer". The Forest Advances Prophecy Materialized Macol tells Macbett to look behind him as the forest appears to march against the ruler.

The Forest Advances from "The Killer". The Forest Advances Prophecy Materialized Macol tells Macbett to look behind him as the forest appears to march against the ruler.

The Forest Advances Prophecy Materialized Macol tells Macbett to look behind him as the forest appears to march against the ruler. Confidence Broken Macbett’s claimed invulnerability fails at the moment the prophecy becomes visible.

Macbett Overthrown Macbett Overthrown from "The Killer". Macbett Overthrown A Backward Strike Macol stabs Macbett from behind and orders the dead ruler’s body removed.

Macbett Overthrown from "The Killer". Macbett Overthrown A Backward Strike Macol stabs Macbett from behind and orders the dead ruler’s body removed.

Macbett Overthrown A Backward Strike Macol stabs Macbett from behind and orders the dead ruler’s body removed. Succession Through Force The overthrow ends one reign by repeating the violent method that established it.

Public Acclamation Public Acclamation from "The Killer". Public Acclamation New Authority Installed The crowd acclaims Macol, a throne is brought in, and the Bishop prepares to crown him.

Public Acclamation from "The Killer". Public Acclamation New Authority Installed The crowd acclaims Macol, a throne is brought in, and the Bishop prepares to crown him.

Public Acclamation New Authority Installed The crowd acclaims Macol, a throne is brought in, and the Bishop prepares to crown him. Familiar Ritual The new ruler inherits the public forms of legitimacy previously used by the rulers he has displaced.

A Worse Reign Promised A Worse Reign Promised from "The Killer". A Worse Reign Promised Tyranny Declared Macol describes himself as containing every vice and promises confiscation, lust, and destruction.

A Worse Reign Promised from "The Killer". A Worse Reign Promised Tyranny Declared Macol describes himself as containing every vice and promises confiscation, lust, and destruction.

A Worse Reign Promised Tyranny Declared Macol describes himself as containing every vice and promises confiscation, lust, and destruction. Cycle Continues The play ends with his imperial ambitions, showing that the fall of Macbett has not produced a just order.

After Lady Duncan escapes captivity

During Macol’s confrontation with Macbett

At the close of the final battle

Immediately after Macbett’s death

At the play’s final speech