Although he was angered by Cawdors betrayal, he remains stable and even tempered. Go get him surgeons.” This is an example of how Duncan remained calm in a difficult situation, but as also courageous. “So well thy words become thee as thy wounds, they smack of honour both. Fortitude is another quality of Duncan’s which is shown when he calls for the execution of Cawdor who was a friend: “Go get him surgeons.” This is an example of Duncan’s strength.ĭuncan also possess patience, courage and temp’rance whilst he is waiting for news of the battle, and responding to the news from the battle. He promised rewards, and also admitted that he misjudged Cawdor: “No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive….” This shows Duncan admitting that he misjudged Cawdor. Duncan is also very truthful, and throughout the play also possessed the quality of verity. Go pronounce his present death and with his present title greet Macbeth.” This is an example of Duncan ruling in justice, and being fair. “No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive our bosom interest. At the beginning of the play, Duncan punishes the traitorous Cawdor and rewards Macbeth the hero.
The qualities that Duncan possessed while he was ruling as king of Scotland varied. All these different qualities would may any king near-perfect. In Act4 Scene3 Malcolm identifies 12 qualities which are desirable in a good king, they are: ‘Justice’ (fairness), ‘verity’ (truthfulness), ‘temp’rance’ (self-control), ‘stableness’ (even-temperedness), ‘bounty’ (generosity), ‘perseverance’ (endurance), ‘mercy’ (forgiveness), ‘lowliness’ (humility), ‘devotion’ (piety), ‘patience’, ‘courage’, ‘fortitude’ (strength). An example of this would be when Duncan’s horses attack and eat each other. This could be shown in things like: very bad storms or unnatural events taking place. It was also believed that if a crime against the king took place, natural order would be disturbed. Therefor, a crime committed against the king, was also considered to be a crime against God. In the Elizabethan times, people believed that a king who had acquired the throne legitimately was God’s representative on earth. With close references to the text discuss the examples of good kings as depicted by Duncan, Malcolm and Edward the confessor? In Act4 Scene3, Malcolm identifies “the King becoming graces”, a list of qualities desirable in a good king.