Macbeth

Wall

Activity

• Father of Malcolm
• Trusts Macbeth but is killed by him
• Accepts the hospitality of Lady Macbeth but is betrayed

Duncan is the King of Scotland. The play begins with Duncan, his sons and his thanes engaged in a battle with rebel lords and the invading King of Norway. He trusts Macbeth and all of his loyal men, and makes Macbeth Thane of Cawdor in gratitude for his service in the battle. He is presented as a good king, not least by Macbeth, who initially seems reluctant to kill him. With his death Scotland descends into chaos and tyranny under Macbeth.

O wall, O sweet, O lovely wall

1. Macbeth

   

   Here lay Duncan,
   His silver skin lac’d with his golden blood;
   And his gash’d stabs look’d like a breach in nature
   For ruin’s wasteful entrance. (2.3.109-12)

2. Macduff

   

   Most sacrilegious murther hath broke ope
   The Lord’s anointed Temple. (2.3.66-7)

3. Macbeth

   

   This Duncan
   Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been
   So clear in his great office, that his virtues
   Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongu’d, against
   The deep damnation of his taking –off. (1.7.12-20)

4. Lady Macbeth

   

   All our service,
   In every point twice done, and then done double,
   Were poor and single business, to contend
   Against those honours deep and broad, wherewith
   Your majesty loads our house. (1.6.14-8)

5. Banquo

   

   There if I grow,
   The harvest is your own. (1.4.32-3)

6. Macbeth

   

   The service and the loyalty I owe,
   In doing it, pays itself. Your Highness’ part
   Is to receive our duties. (1.4.22-4)

7. Ross

   

   God save the King! (1.2.48)

Photos

Photos