Evaluating King Duncan

I believe King Duncan was a good leader given the time period when he ruled. He appointed people by their loyalty and honor. He also convicted his people who were disloyal. “No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive our bosom interest. Go pronounce his present death and with his former title greet Macbeth”(1.2.63-65). This shows the old Thane of Cawdor was killed for being disloyal and Macbeth was given his position because of his bravery and loyalty. Later in the play, Lady Macbeth wants Macbeth to murder King Duncan so he can become king. Macbeth is questioning killing King Duncan because he was such a good leader. “He hath honored me of late, and I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people” (1.7.32-33). If King Duncan was a bad king, Macbeth would not have had such a problem killing him. After Macbeth has killed King Duncan Macbeth shows huge regret. “For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered, put rancours in the vessel of my peace only for them, and mine external jewel” (3.1.69-70). Macbeth respected King Duncan for promoting him because of his loyalty, and Macbeth went against his morals by killing king Duncan. Macbeth and other characters actions reflected King Duncan being a good leader.

Machiavelli would evaluate King Duncan as too nice a leader. He would think King Duncan needed to be tougher on his people. “Severities should be dealt out all at once, so that their suddenness may give less offense; benefits ought to be handed out drop by drop, so that they may be relished the more”(Machiavelli). Machiavelli is saying kings should set boundaries so that no one steps out of line. Instead ,King Duncan fawns over his people like Macbeth. “This castle hath a pleasant seat. The air nimbly and sweetly recommends itself. Unto our gentle senses” (1.6.1-3). Machiavelli implies that you should not show weakness and always appear seamless. “It is not essential that a prince have all good qualities, but it is most essential that he should seem to have them”(Machiavelli). He would want King Duncan to come across strong and powerful instead of stooping down to the Thane of Cawdor’s level. Machiavelli would also imply that monarchies are not democracies and it is essential to show power. King Duncan showed his emotions to Macbeth which aided in Macbeth being able to kill him.