Shakespeare's Macbeth - Key Quotes: Duncan

Duncan trusted the old Thane of Cawdor entirely, only to be betrayed. This foreshadows Macbeth's act of regicide.

He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust (1:4)

Duncan immediately assumes the most valiant cause for Macbeth's swift ride home, rather than his darker ambition

His great love, sharp as his spur, hath holp him to his home before us (1:6)

Duncan's remark on stars is ironic, for example when the night is dark when Macbeth goes to murder Duncan, or when Macbeth and Lady Macbeth tell the lights of heaven to be covered up.

Honour, like stars, shall shine on all deservers (1:4)

Duncan thanks Lady Macbeth again and again for her trouble before she even gives it, ironic given her plans to kill him. Reinforces Duncan's over-trustfulness

How you shall bid God yield us for your pains, and thank us for your trouble (1:6)

Duncan cries with joy, showing his gentleness and perhaps his over-trusting nature

My plenteous joys, seek to hide themselves in drops of sorrow (1:4)

Duncan comments on how he cannot see people's personality from their face - "fair is foul and foul is fair"

There's no art to find the mind's construction in the face (1:4)

Duncan respects Macbeth highly

What he hath lost, noble Macbeth hath won (1:2)