ducan

• "There's no art to find the mind's construction in the face"

  • Duncan also expresses humility ( a feature that Macbeth lacks)
  • Shows Duncan is to trusting
• Honour, like stars, shall shine on all deservers

  • Shakespeare utilises irony here, as Macbeth murders Duncan in the night, disproving this statement
  • The comparison of honour and the stars also indicates that this honour Duncan speaks of is predetermined and is down to fate.
  • This could suggest that Macbeth's demise was already decided and there was nothing he could do to stop it.
• "noble Macbeth"

  • Epithet
  • Duncan's respect and admiration towards Macbeth is asserted here by describing the warrior as "noble". This portrays Duncan's king and uplifting nature and how he is being so grateful towards Macbeth
  • Trusts Macbeth. His trustworthy nature ( hamartia) foreshadows it will lead to his demise
• "Silver skin" with "Golden Blood" said my Macbeth

  • Silver symbolises wealth and success and better known as a noble metal. Reflects King Duncan and his rightful claim to the throne
  • Silver is believed to be a mirror to the soul, helping us to see ourselves as others see us. Conveys Duncan as honest and someone who wears his heart on his sleeve
  • Silver is believed to draw negative energy out of the body and replace it with positive energy. This reaffirms Duncan was he perfect fit to be king.
• "He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust"

  • Duncan is here referring to the old Thane of Cawdor and how he was betrayed by him. this could foreshadow Macbeth's later betrayal when he commits regicide (cyclical structure)
  • also shows he audience that King Duncan is hopeful and trusting, good and admirable traits for a leader (epitome of a model king)
• "Great King"

  • Epithet
  • Well respected
• "the service and loyalty I owe" (Said by Macbeth)


  • Transitive verb "owe" suggest he feels obligated to be loyal to Duncan and doesn't do it willingly. This foreshadows his betrayal