duncan malcolm and donaldbain Flashcards
What does Duncan represent in the play?
The rightful, divinely appointed king
Duncan’s death disrupts the natural order.
How does Malcolm develop throughout the play?
From a hesitant heir to a determined leader
Malcolm’s character arc includes his famous line, ‘dispute it like a man.’
What is Donald Bain’s primary focus in the play?
Survival
Donald Bain remains a peripheral character.
In which scenes does Duncan play an important part?
Act 1, Scene 6 and Act 2, Scene 3
His arrival at Macbeth’s castle and the discovery of his murder.
In which scenes does Malcolm play an important part?
Act 4, Scene 3 and Act 5, Scene 8
His conversation with Macduff and his final victory.
How does the theme of leadership/kingship relate to Duncan and Macbeth?
Contrasts Duncan’s divinely sanctioned rule with Macbeth’s tyranny
Highlights the importance of rightful kingship.
What does Malcolm’s growth illustrate in the context of the play?
The restoration of order
Aligns with the concept of divine justice.
What belief do Duncan and Malcolm embody in the historical context of the play?
The Jacobean belief in the divine right of kings
Their roles reinforce Shakespeare’s message about respecting God’s chosen rulers.
What does Duncan’s quote, ‘There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face’ suggest?
His trusting nature
This line is from Act 1, Scene 4.
What does Malcolm’s quote, ‘Let grief convert to anger; blunt not the heart, enrage it’ encourage?
Action over sorrow
This quote is from Act 4, Scene 3.
What does Donalbain’s quote, ‘Where we are, there’s daggers in men’s smiles’ imply?
The danger and betrayal surrounding them
This quote is from Act 2, Scene 3.
