DUNCAN

Question 1

Duncan
Line of arguement

Answer 1

Duncan represents a comparatively weak form of kingship which is overthrown by Macbeth’s brutal force.

Question 2

A1S4: Duncan explains how much he had trusted the previous Thane of Cawdor before he was betrayed.

Answer 2

A1S4: ‘He was a
gentleman on whom I
built / An absolute trust.’

Question 3

A1S4: ‘He was a
gentleman on whom I
built / An absolute trust.’

Answer 3

• Duncan reveals his former respect for Cawdor through the
  noble connotations of ‘gentleman’.
• foreshadows the tragic irony that Duncan cannot see the
  manipulation around him, highlighting his vulnerability.
• hyperbole ‘absolute trust’ exposes the contrast between
  appearance and reality in the play.

Question 4

A1S7 - Macbeth begins to doubt whether he should murder King Duncan. He reflects on what a benevolent King he is.

Answer 4

A1S7: ‘His virtues will
plead like angels,
trumpet-tongued’’

Question 5

A1S7: ‘His virtues will
plead like angels,
trumpet-tongued’’

Answer 5

• The simile compares Duncan's virtues to angels, emphasizing his goodness and moral integrity.
• The use of religious imagery with "angels" highlights
  Duncan's divine right to rule and his connection to the heavens.
• "Trumpet-tongued" evokes the sound of a trumpet, symbolizing the loud and clear proclamation of Duncan's virtues, suggesting Duncan's good qualities are so evident
  that they cannot be ignored.