Duncan Flashcards
Duncan epitomises good kingship in terms of the way he
treats his thanes, subjects and family
Duncan’s regicide symbolises the perversion of natural
order which can only be restored once the rightful heir – Malcolm – is crowned
Duncan’s ‘meek’ nature highlights the pathos of his violent
murder, which only serves to increase Macbeth’s feelings of guilt
Duncan is also shown to be naïve: he built an absolute trust in
the traitor Cawdor, and does the same with Macbeth
He was a gentleman on whom
I builtAn absolute trust
Duncan: What he hath lost noble
Macbeth hath won
The love that follows us sometime is
our trouble,Which still we thank as love. (Duncan)
Who should against his murderer shut the door,
Not bear the knife myself (Macbeth
renown and
grace is dead (macbeth on duncan)
My worthy
Cawdor! (Duncan to Macbeth)
