Duncan's Loyalty In Macbeth

Initially, Macbeth is portrayed as a valiant war-hero, capable of debilitating vast armies single-handedly; his courage on the battlefield reflects his mental resilience and physical aptitude- additionally, he utilizes these coveted qualities for the sake of his superior, King Duncan which fundamentally illustrates his unconditional loyalty for the sovereign of Scotland. However, Macbeth’s loyalty for Duncan begins to wither as the sovereign announces the next heir to the throne of Scotland- Malcolm; moreover, Macbeth realizes that it is incumbent upon him to substantiate the prophecy by the witches that he will become the next King of Scotland. Furthermore, the notion of killing Duncan contrives about a “horrid image” (Shakespeare 138) in his mind; this

Viewing this as an attack upon himself, Macbeth responds by carrying out the treasonous act, slaying the benevolent king in a grotesque fashion. Macbeth’s ostensible ambition is merely an excuse to masquerade his innate egotistical psyche; moreover, his ego is contested by Lady Macbeth’s malicious remarks which ultimately obliterates his self-confidence as he is perplexed by the fact that his own wife had disparaged him. The vitiation of Macbeth’s self-confidence propels him to slay Duncan in a desperate attempt to fortify his broken ego- in an act of self-defence, Macbeth fails to comprehend the consequences of his treasonous act in the moment, but immediately comes to realization after the act; this in turn plagues his psyche with anxiety and guilt. It is at this point that Macbeth begins to add coal to the burning fire, subtly destroying