King Duncan and Macbeth

Hecate (III, v, 32-33), Macbeth by William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare comments through Hecate that the greatest enemy of mankind is seeking security. In this scene, Hecate is planning the destruction of Macbeth by building his confidence and in the process; she gives us a hint to our lives. This can also be related to our society when one tries to gain a higher rank that results in becoming his nemesis. An example of this is Tiger Woods.

The image of the very successful golfer, Tiger Woods, as a clean-cut family man has been lost forever in a scandal from which he may never recover.As shown in the play Macbeth by Shakespeare, the pursuit of security can lead to tragedy. “You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you do not trust enough” (Frank Crane). Stated by Frank Crane, this quote directly relates to the trust and confidence Duncan has on his thanes especially the two Thanes of Cawdor. “He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust. ” (I, iv, 15-16).

In the preceding quote, Duncan tells us about the absolute trust he had in the first Thane of Cawdor.It is this confidence that Duncan has in his thanes that result’s to be his nemesis. On the other hand, the Prince of Cumberland, Malcolm’s character was opposite to that of his father. In the quote, “Macduff, this noble...

and honour” (IV, iii, 129-132) Malcolm tests Macduff to make sure he was not an ally of the enemy before placing his trust in Macduff.This contradicts his father’s belief that his subjects are trustworthy. In the following quote, Duncan tells us about the mistake he made. There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in face” (I, iv, 13-14).

It is ironic that Duncan says that it is impossible to trust or know about a person’s character just by their looks because Duncan makes another mistake of trusting Macbeth and saying that Macbeth deserves more than what he has. “No more that thane of Cawdor shall deceive our bosom interest: go, pronounce his present death, and with his former title greet Macbeth. ” (I, ii, 73-75). The forgoing quote shows Duncan informing the reader about the close relationship he had with the first thane.As we learn from the quote “Whom I built an absolute trust.

” (I, iv, 16), Duncan explains his feelings toward the thane and continues talking about the type of relationship that he shared with the than. Duncan then goes on to tell us how the first Thane of Cawdor betrayed his trust and betrayed Scotland. It was said by Mother Theresa “It is not how much we do, but how much love we put it the ‘doing’...

” But giving too much love can also be dangerous as we see in the case of Duncan. “and with his former title greet Macbeth. ” (I, ii, 75).Duncan tells Ross, the Thane of Ross, to go and tell Macbeth, who currently is at war against Macdonwald, that he is the new Thane of Cawdor. This is the first time during the play were Duncan shows appreciation for Macbeth, a ferocious warrior.

The first time Macbeth is praised by Duncan he becomes full of confidence. “And, for an earnest of a greater honour, he bade me, from him, call thee thane of Cawdor: In which addition, hail, most worthy thane! For it is thine” Macbeth is praised in multiple places. The title of Thane of Cawdor given to Macbeth by Duncan represents the trust and respect Duncan has for Macbeth. In the following quote, Duncan displays his respect, “O worthiest cousin!The sin of my ingratitude even now..

. To overtake thee. ” (I, iv, 17-21). Duncan praises and compliments Macbeth in every way. Firstly, Duncan asks Macbeth if they could have a grand gathering at Inverness, Macbeth’s castle, in honour of Macbeth’s promotion, “… on all deservers.

From hence to Inverness, and bind us further to you” (I, iv, 48-49). In history during the rule of Duncan, having the King visit your house was equivalent to talking to God.As we know in the Elizabethan era, the King was a representation of God. Upon his arrival to Inverness, Duncan praises Macbeth again but this time through appreciating his town, “This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air nimbly and sweetly recommends itself unto our gentle senses. ” Duncan shows great respect and love for Macbeth not only through words but also through generosity towards Macbeth and his wife, “Give me your hand: Conduct me to mine host; we love him highly, And shall continue our graces towards him by your leave, hostess. ”