kingship

“There’s no art / To find the mind’s construction in the face.”

Duncan reflects on how you can’t judge a person’s inner thoughts by their appearance — highlighting his trusting nature and foreshadowing betrayal. Methods: Irony, foreshadowing. Themes: Appearance vs reality, kingship, trust.

“He was a gentleman on whom I built / An absolute trust.”

Duncan speaks about the former Thane of Cawdor, showing his poor judgement as a ruler. This irony highlights the danger of blind trust. Methods: Irony, repetition. Themes: Kingship, betrayal, naivety.

“This Duncan / Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been / So clear in his great office.”

Macbeth admits Duncan is a good king, showing he knows the moral weight of his intended crime. Duncan is presented as the ideal ruler. Methods: Praise, contrast. Themes: Kingship, morality, ambition.

“Such welcome and unwelcome things at once / ’Tis hard to reconcile.”

Malcolm tests Macduff’s loyalty, showing wisdom and caution — a contrast to Duncan’s blind trust. Shows leadership skill. Methods: Juxtaposition, internal conflict. Themes: Kingship, trust, wisdom.

“The king-becoming graces: / As justice, verity, temperance, stableness…”

Malcolm lists the qualities of a true king, defining good leadership and exposing Macbeth’s lack of these traits. Methods: Listing, contrast, ethical appeal. Themes: Kingship, morality, virtue.

“His title / Hang loose about him, like a giant’s robe / Upon a dwarfish thief.”

Angus uses a simile to show Macbeth is unfit to rule — his kingship is stolen and ill-fitting. Methods: Simile, imagery. Themes: Power, legitimacy, kingship.