Macbeth – William Shakespeare – King Duncan

Macbeth – William Shakespeare – King Duncan

• This resource provides a clear and focused analysis of King Duncan’s role as a symbol of leadership and order in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
• It offers an accessible exploration of Duncan’s character, his significance in the play, and the themes he represents, written in straightforward English suitable for GCSE literature study.

Key features:

• Detailed examination of Duncan as a fair, generous, and lawful king who embodies the Divine Right of Kings
• Analysis of his trusting nature as both a strength and a fatal weakness
• Exploration of key moments such as his praise of Macbeth, naming of Malcolm, and visit to Inverness
• Discussion of the dramatic irony surrounding his murder and the unnatural chaos that follows
• In-depth reflection on Duncan as a contrast to Macbeth’s tyrannical rule and his lasting influence on themes of loyalty, order, and legitimate authority
• Includes an accompanying worksheet to reinforce and practise key concepts.

This resource has been designed for GCSE level students.