Macbeth and Loyalty

Question 1

Macbeth’s loyalty to Duncan

Answer 1

We will proceed no further in this business.
He hath honored me of late, (Act 1, scene 7)
Translated: We’ll go no further with this plan. He has recently honored me

Question 2

context/historical

Answer 2

in Jacobean time, King James had lots of his servants betray him. Shakespeare attempts to show later on in the play the repercussions of disloyalty to the King to Jacobean audience

Question 3

Context/within play

Answer 3

Macbeth has patriotic loyalty. same that brought Macduff and Malcolm back to Scotland to take over the ruling. His weak loyalty in comparison to the loyalty of other scottish noblemen cues the audience to have a motivated despise of his character.

Question 4

Macbeth says his loyalty to Duncan

Answer 4

Our duties are to your throne and state children and servants (Act 1 scene 5)

Question 5

context/within play

Answer 5

Macbeth expresses his high level of loyalty to Duncan,. Macbeth uses emotive language to pity Duncan into his trust. This draws on the vulnerability of Duncan, making it easier for Macbeth to kill him. Also, Macbeth foreshadows his expectation as a ruler, inferring that everyone under him must be under his duty and control.