What is the double trust The Tragedy of Macbeth Act you Scene vii line 12 that Macbeth would be breaking if he kills Duncan?

Answer 1

The double trust is in fact a triple trust, as Macbeth says in his soliloquy in Act 1 Scene 7: "He's here is double trust: first as I am his kinsmen and his subject, both strong against the deed, then as his host, who should against his murderer shut the door, not bear the knife myself."

Answer 2

As you will find if you continue to read Macbeth's soliloquy in 1,7, he means that because Macbeth is Duncan's kinsman and his subject (strong both against the deed) and then as his host, who should against his murderer shut the door not bear the knife himself. Socially, there are certain relationships where you owe a special duty to another person. One is family. Another is the duty owed to a monarch by his subject. There is also a special duty owed to a guest by his host, to protect him while he is under your roof, a very ancient and powerful taboo.

A person is sworn to protect his family, his king and his guests. Duncan was all three--he had every reason to trust Macbeth to leave him unharmed.

You will note that the "double trust" is in fact a "triple trust".

In Shakespeare's play King Lear we see the reverse offence in the host-guest relationship, since the guest pokes out the host's eyes and throws him out of his own house. Modern audiences are more likely to be offended by this than by Macbeth's breach of trust.

Answer 3

Since Macbeth knows killing is morally wrong, he is aware that he could get punished. The double trust that he would be breaking is the honor he has as a kingsman and subject.

Answer 4

First, as his kinsman and his subject, both strong against the deed; then, as his host. He is trusted for two (actually three but we won't go there) reasons, hence "double trust".