Duncan Flashcards
‘What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won’
Duncan’s respect and admiration towards Macbeth is asserted here by describing the warrior as ‘noble’. This also portrays Duncan’s kind and uplifting nature and how if he is being so grateful towards Macbeth, it is only right if the feeling is reciprocated.
‘There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face’
Duncan’s comment here could link to ‘fair is foul and foul is fair’ as he states hoe one cannot truly tell another motives. This could perhaps be foreshadowing Macbeth turning his back on his King and murdering him.
How you shall bid God yield us for your pains, and thank us for your trouble’
Duncan repeatedly praises Lady Macbeth, ironically, unaware of her plans to murder him. Whilst this portrays him to be grateful and humble, it also shows how the King may be too trustworthy for his own good and foreshadows it will lead to his untimely death.
‘My plenteous joys, seek to hide themselves in drops of sorrow’
King Duncan is crying for joy, perhaps showing the audience that he is too trusting of those around him and foreshadowing this fatal flaw may lead to his demise.
