Loyalty and distrust

• Macbeth's Loyalty to Duncan


  At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is portrayed as fiercely loyal to King Duncan, fighting valiantly for him in battle and serving him faithfully
• Lady Macbeth's Loyalty


  Lady Macbeth's loyalty lies more with her husband's ambition rather than to the king or to moral principles. She encourages and supports Macbeth in his quest for power, pushing him to commit regicide
• Macduff's Loyalty to Scotland

  Macduff demonstrates his loyalty to Scotland by fighting against Macbeth's tyrannical rule and ultimately playing a key role in overthrowing him
• Macbeth's Distrust of Banquo


  Macbeth becomes increasingly paranoid and distrustful of Banquo, fearing that his friend's descendants will inherit the throne, as predicted by the witches
• Lady Macbeth's Distrust of Macbeth's Resolve


  Lady Macbeth questions Macbeth's resolve and masculinity when he hesitates to commit murder. She challenges his loyalty to their shared ambition, which ultimately drives him to carry out the deed
• The Thanes' Distrust of Macbeth's Rule


  As Macbeth's tyrannical rule progresses, many of the Scottish thanes become distrustful of him. They view him as a usurper who has gained power through deceit and murder, rather than through loyalty and rightful succession
• • "There’s daggers in men's smiles." (Act 2, Scene 3)
  • Donalbain, expressing distrust in the wake of his father's murder, suggests that appearances can be deceiving and that even those who seem friendly may harbor ill intentions.
• • "To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus." (Act 3, Scene 1)
  • Macbeth voices his paranoia about maintaining his position as king, indicating his deepening distrust of those around him and his obsession with securing his power.
• • "Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knellThat summons thee to heaven or to hell." (Act 2, Scene 1)
  • Macbeth says this line after murdering King Duncan. His loyalty to Duncan initially makes him hesitant to carry out the deed, but ultimately, his ambition overrides his loyalty.
• • "If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well It were done quickly." (Act 1, Scene 7)
  • Lady Macbeth urges Macbeth to act swiftly in his ambition to become king, emphasizing the importance of loyalty to their shared goal.