King Duncan and His Sons: Malcolm and Donalbain
King Duncan: The Embodiment of Divine Kingship
King Duncan is introduced in Macbeth as a figure of authority and benevolence, setting the stage for the moral conflict that unfolds throughout the play. His character serves as a foil to Macbeth's ambition and the chaos brought by the witches.
Highlight: Duncan represents order in contrast to the witches' chaos, embodying the divine right of kings.
Duncan's qualities as a ruler are evident from his first appearance:
- He is informed and decisive, praising Macbeth and Banquo for their valor while condemning the treacherous Thane of Cawdor.
- His compassion is demonstrated when he sends for a surgeon to tend to the wounded captain.
- Duncan's familial connection to Macbeth ("O valiant cousin!") adds a layer of betrayal to Macbeth's later actions.
Quote: "Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope / The lord's anointed temple and stole thence / The life o'th' building"
This vivid imagery of Duncan's murder emphasizes the severity of Macbeth's crime against both man and God. Even after his death, Duncan's influence persists:
- Macbeth refers to him as "gracious king," indicating lingering respect.
- Macduff's description to Malcolm reinforces Duncan's saintly image: "a most sainted king; The Queen... oft'ner upon her knees than on her feet"
Vocabulary: Sacrilegious - violating or misusing what is regarded as sacred.
Malcolm: From Captured Soldier to Rightful King
Malcolm's character arc in the Macbeth character analysis PDF shows significant growth:
- Initially portrayed as an unsuccessful soldier, captured but saved by the wounded captain.
- Gains prominence during his interaction with Macduff in England, a scene that invites comparison between Malcolm, Macbeth, and Duncan.
- Proves himself morally upright and fit to rule Scotland.
Example: Malcolm's resourcefulness is demonstrated by his ingenious idea to use Birnam Wood as camouflage, fulfilling one of the witches' prophecies.
Malcolm's leadership qualities become evident:
- He assembles a combined force of English and Scottish troops.
- Unlike his father, Malcolm actively participates in battle, following Siward's troops into Macbeth's castle.
Quote: "What needful else / That calls upon us, by the grace if Grace, we will perform in measure, time and place"
This final quote from Malcolm echoes the witches' prediction about Banquo's lineage, bringing the play full circle.
Donalbain: The Silent Son
Donalbain's role in the play is brief but significant:
- He flees after Duncan's murder, never to return.
- His character serves to emphasize Duncan as a father of sons, contrasting with Macbeth's childlessness.
Highlight: Donalbain's absence in later scenes may be due to practical staging considerations, with the actor possibly taking on other roles.
In conclusion, the characters of King Duncan, Malcolm, and Donalbain in Macbeth serve to highlight themes of legitimate rule, moral leadership, and the consequences of ambition. Their roles provide a stark contrast to Macbeth's tyranny and contribute to the play's exploration of power, loyalty, and the nature of kingship.
