Act 1 Scene 4

Act 1 Scene 4

1. Malcom reports that the Thane of Cawdor has died.

2. Appearance and reality-Duncan says that it is impossible to trust anyone by their outward appearance

   • ''There's no art to find the mind's construction in the face'
   • Appearance and reality

3. 'O worthiest cousin'

   • Duncan warmly welcomes Macbeth
     • Grateful for his noble actions
       • 'More is thy due...than all can pay'
   • 'My worthy Cawdor'
   • superlative

4. Macbeth appears humble

   • 'In doing it pays itself'
     • 'Our duties are to your throne and the state, children and servants'
   • Simply fulfilling his duties- service to the king
   • However yet again his inner thoughts are revealed
     • This is ironic - Duncan's belief in appearance and reality- trusting Macbeth
     • Aside
       • 'that is step on which I must fall down'
         • Referring to Malcom- who is announced to succeed Duncan to the throne
         • He is an obstacle
           • Inhuman, unemotional description presents him as merciless and cruel
             • Previously he was presented as battle effcient, slaughtering countless men- battle warrior for his country
               • But know we see that he is thinking about such violence but for his own intentions
                 • Starting to see a change in his character
     • 'Let not light see my dark and deep desires'
       • antithesis between light and dark- echo of the theme of appearance and reality
       • Cannot be trusted
       • LIGHT IMAGERY

5. Duncan as a gentle, kindly king

   • Language to do with reward
     • generous ruler
     • GROWTH IMAGERY
       • ' plant thee and will labour thee full of growing'
         • nurturing role
           • caring and praising them