Duncan's Use Of Trust In Macbeth

Trust is like a game: it can be used in the wrong way powerfully but can also be very beneficial when used correctly; either way, trust is precious, and in most situations, trust can be the difference between winning and losing. Whether it's trusting yourself or trusting a supposed enemy, trust can be difficult to have, yet it can be easily misplaced. There is no art to find the mind's construction in the face: He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust. (1.4.13-16) Duncan's trust in the Cawdor is proven to be misplaced, and Duncan says how it is impossible to judge someone on their appearance; however, he continues to judge Macbeth after he gives his words on the former thane to Ross—“pronounce his present death, / And with his former title greet Macbeth”

Later, when Macbeth meets with the witches again, he believes they are telling him to murder the king. At first, he reacts with fear: “Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair” (1.3.145). The fact that Macbeth is so afraid of his mental image of murdering the king proves that Macbeth is still loyal to the king. But it also shows that he trusts the witches and is prepared to do anything. After some banter back and forth with Lady Macbeth and a little manipulation, he decides to go through with the murder, saying; “I am settled” (1.7.89). With his agreement to murder the king, we now see that Macbeth can no longer be trusted, and once again Duncan puts his trust in the wrong person. Trusting Macbeth is a huge mistake and will be his last—"I have done the deed" (2.2.19). Now that Duncan is out of the picture, Macbeth can fulfill the prophecy of him becoming king. Reflecting on how Macbeth is not someone to be trusted, he uses trust to his advantage, and Macbeth shows this in his need for power. The guilt he carries after all the betrayal—I understand and feel that kind of guilt when I break someone's