A king during Shakespeare's time - Macbeth.

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Macbeth essay

        In many of Shakespeare’s dramas, the main character has either a heroic side or a villainous side.  When the main character is a king, he will most likely have heroic qualities.  A king should be classified as someone who is royal, powerful, full of integrity, courageous, trustworthy, intelligent, fair, virtuous, and knowledgeable of his kingdom.  In Macbeth, each of the male characters possess a variety of these attributes that would make them worthy to be a king.  These male characters include:  Duncan, Malcolm, Donalbain, Macduff, Lennox, Ross, Menteith, Angus, Caithness, Fleance, Banquo, and Macbeth.  

        As the king of Scotland, Duncan is known for his virtuous and benevolent manner.  He knows how to take charge, yet he is kind-hearted at the same time.  He says, “What he has lost, noble Macbeth hath won.”  Here, Duncan seems almost naïve, and he trusts Macbeth by calling him noble, just to be stabbed in the back later.  He also says, “He was a gentleman on whom I built absolute trust.”  Duncan takes Macbeth in under his wings and holds him to his heart.  Duncan realizes that he is blessed with many joys in his life, “My plenteous joys …”  When Duncan dines at Macbeth’s castle, he shows his  utmost respect to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, even though he is the king, and has more power.  Duncan also seems to be omnipotent, and he knows exactly what to do to watch out for the safety of his kingdom.  Unfortunately, Duncan’s organized and responsible ruling was discarded after his death.

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It was not until Malcolm, Duncan’s son, came to the throne, after Macbeth, that the order was restored in Scotland.  Malcolm is wise because he figured out that it was Macbeth who killed his father.  “I am young; but something You may deserve of him through me; and wisdom To offer up a weak, poor, innocent lamb To appease an angry god.”  When Macduff answers, “I am not treacherous,” Malcolm replies, “But Macbeth is.”  Malcolm is not afraid to let people know what he has discovered about Macbeth, and he will do anything to get revenge.  Malcolm’s brother, Donalbain, however, ...

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