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The action in this scene centres on the first meeting between King Duncan and Macbeth. We note how
much the king holds Macbeth in honour and trust, that he has begun to shower fortune on the general and
intends to do much more to promote his future.
Yet events quickly change to make Macbeth suspicious of the king: Duncan announces that he intends
to make his own son, Malcolm, successor to the throne.
MACBETH'S TROUBLED MIND
One of the great themes in this play is that of the troubled mind.
One is responsible for one's actions. A saintly life puts one in a tranquil state -- and one's mind remains
tranquil. But just step aside into sin . . . !
We are presented in this scene with the clear contrast between Banquo and Macbeth. Each has received
a message from the three sisters but each has acted differently.
Banquo does not become a victim to their equivocation. Rather he remains an honourable person. If their
prophecies are to come true, it must happen without his lifting a finger.
Macbeth, on the other hand, has chosen to speed up the process through murder. He has stepped
outside of natural law and, as a result, his former tranquil mind has become distraught.
He is now beset on all sides. His mind is troubled -- "O, full of scorpions is my mind". He has
begun to isolate himself from his former friends and even from his wife. He can trust nobody.
He is also disturbed by fears in other people. First, it is his former friend and companion, Banquo, to
whom the witches also made glorious promises. Banquo and his son must therefore die.
Later he will be troubled by Macduff -- clearly his most ardent rival. And then will come the ghostly
apparitions and insomnia.
In this, however, Macbeth is not alone. Lady Macbeth, initially the strong but evil agitator, soon also
begins to suffer from a troubled mind.
The Macbeths are out of step with nature and must pay the mental price for their actions!
Have you looked at the questions
in the right column?
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TEST YOURSELF!
Read the left column and then answer
the following questions:
Why was the Thane of Cawdor executed? (2)
[Need help?]
The Thane of Cawdor had committed treason by joining forces with the invading Norwegian armies
against the King of Scotland. He was defeated by "Bellona's Bridgegroom" -- Macbeth or
Macduff? -- and would be duly executed.
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"He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust."
- Duncan says this of the deposed Thane of Cawdor. The king appears to believe precisely the same
of the new Thane of Cawdor, namely Macbeth. Explain the irony of this. (4)
[Need help?]
The King had placed absolute trust in the Thane of Cawdor who betrayed him by siding with Norway
against Scotland.
Duncan therefore executes Cawdor and gives the title to another man in whom he has absolute trust,
namely Macbeth.
But this new Thane of Cawdor immediately begins planning the king's assassination! Is this not most
ironic?
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"I have begun to plant thee, and will labour to make thee full of growing."
- Comment on the irony of Duncan's promise to Macbeth. (4)
[Need help?]
Duncan is going to "plant" Macbeth and make him "full of growing" -- so that Macbeth can
murder Duncan?
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"Sons, kinsmen, thanes . . . know,
We will establish our estate upon
Our eldest, Malcolm."
- What is the problem with this decision? (2)
[Need help?]
There is indeed a major problem with Duncan's decision to nominate Malcolm as his successor. The
Scottish monarchy was not hereditary. Upon the death of a king, the thanes would gather to elect a
successor from amongst themselves.
By changing the rules, Duncan is inviting an ambitious Thane to turn on him and murder him.
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- Why does Macbeth in particular view this decision with shock? Why does he leave the king's company
so hurriedly? (4)
[Need help?]
In Macbeth's case, of course, he has heard and believes the witches' prophecy that he himself will be king.
How is this now to happen unless he murders Duncan?
He leaves the room hurriedly so that he can plot with Lady Macbeth.
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What does Macbeth mean when he says, "I'll make myself the harbinger"? (2)
[Need help?]
A "harbinger" is a messenger.
Macbeth wants to leave the king's presence immediately so that he can consult with his wife, Lady
Macbeth. He clearly wants to tell her of the witches' prophecies, of Duncan's decision to appoint Malcolm
as his heir, and consult with her about his next actions.
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Duncan has been described as "gracious, magnanimous and sweet-natured".
- Is this a valid description of the king? Explain. (10)
[Need help?]
The idea of Duncan being a gracious, magnanimous and sweet-natured king is a common one, and this
image certainly makes his murder all the more horrendous. However, consider the following:
- Duncan breaks the rules of succession. The standard practice was for an elected monarchy where
the Thanes would gather together upon the death of the king and elect a successor. Instead of this,
Duncan decrees that his son Malcolm will succeed him.
- Is Duncan appears to be deliberately fostering the interests of Macbeth in opposition to those of the
other great general, Macduff.
- Is Duncan playing a game of political intrigue and can he himself therefore still be trusted?
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"Our duties are to your throne and state, children and servants; which do but what they should, by
doing everything safe toward your love and honour"
- Comment on the irony of Macbeth's words. (4)
[Need help?]
Macbeth is about to murder Duncan, right? So -- is there one gram of trust and loyalty in him?
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