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Malcolm describes Cawdor's last moments before execution what is Duncan's reply?
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
In Act 1 Scene 4 of the Shakespearean play 'Macbeth', King Duncan I [d. August 14, 1040] asked after the execution of the Thane of Cawdor. His elder son, the future King Malcolm III [d. November 13, 1093], described Cawdor's last moments. He characterized the disgraced nobleman as owning up to his treason, humbling himself over the King's forgiveness, and being sorry for how he had betrayed his sovereign and his country. Duncan's response showed him to be either a poor judge of character or surprisingly naive for Scotland's top leader. He said that he had seen nothing of the betrayal in Cawdor's face, that he had considered him an absolutely trustworthy gentleman.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Duncan is shocked by the betrayal of Thane of Cawdor and praises Malcolm for accurately describing the traitor's behavior before his execution. He then expresses gratitude towards Malcolm for his loyalty and honesty.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoHe said, and I quote, "There's no art to find the mind's construction in the face. He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust." Malcolm is talking about how Cawdor really showed himself brave and admirable at his execution, and all Duncan can think of is how he somehow didn't suspect him. Maybe he is not listening to Malcolm because he is really worried that his inability to tell whether someone is trustworthy might be dangerous to him. Or possibly he just doesn't pay attention to what is going on with other people because he is so focussed on himself, which could explain why he has such a hard time reading them.
In any case, in the most delicious irony, he immediately thereafter greets Macbeth, calling him "O worthiest cousin."
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Was it duncans son who killed Macbeth?
Malcolm (Duncan's son) did not kill Macbeth, it was Macduff (Thane of Fife).
What do duncans kids do after Macbeth kills duncan?
They skip town. Malcolm goes to England and Donalbain goes to Ireland.
How do Macbeth's thoughts begin to change after Malcolm is named Duncans heir?
He begins to seriously consider the possibility of committing murder to become king.
Who was king duncans sons?
Malcolm Canmore, later king of Scotland, was the son of King Duncan. Also Donald Ban was his son, and he also became king later on. Both of these appear in Shakespeare's play.
What is malcom duncans son doing in England?
Malcolm Duncan's son is likely living, studying, working, or pursuing personal interests in England. Malcolm Duncan is a prominent figure in the Christian community, and his son's activities may not be publicly known.
What motive is attributed to Malcolm and Donalbain?
Malcolm and Donalbain are attributed the motive of self-preservation when they flee from Scotland after their father King Duncan is murdered. They fear for their own lives and suspect that whoever killed their father may also target them to secure the throne.
What are the adjectives to describe Malcolm?
Adjectives that describe 'Malcolm' could be: Ugly and short.EXAMPLE: Malcom is ugly.
How might Duncans naming Malcolm Prince of Cumberland interfere with Macbeths becoming king?
As in England calling your son the Prince of Wales marks him as the heir apparent, Duncan's calling Malcolm the Prince of Cumberland marked him as the next king. This would certainly be "a step on which [Macbeth] must fall down, or else o'erleap."
Where did malcom flee to after duncans death?
Malcolm fled to England after his father, King Duncan, was murdered. He went to seek help and support from King Edward to overthrow Macbeth and restore order in Scotland.
Which character is duncans cousin?
Duncan's cousin is Banquo in William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth." They both serve as loyal companions to King Duncan, until their lives become intertwined with Macbeth's rise to power.
Why do ross and macduff think King duncans sons have killed their father?
Ross and Macduff suspect King Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, of murdering their father because the appearance of guilt points towards them. After the discovery of Duncan's body and the murder weapon found on his sons' servants, suspicion falls on Malcolm and Donalbain as they flee the scene, casting doubt on their innocence.
What does the Peerless kinsman mean in Macbeth?
The term "Peerless kinsman" in Macbeth refers to Malcolm, who is Duncan's son and considered the rightful heir to the throne. Macbeth describes Malcolm as a "Peerless kinsman" to emphasize his noble and worthy qualities compared to himself.
