mentions thatis at his castle in "double trust," which means that Duncan has two
reasons to trust , and that Macbeth will do him no harm and will protect him.
Firstly, Duncan is his "kinsman," which means that they are related to one
another, not only because they are citizens of the same country, but also in blood. Duncan and
Macbeth are cousins, all the more reason for Macbeth not to harm him €“ such a deed would be
unnatural in the extreme.
Secondly, Macbeth is Duncan's "subject,"
and as his subject, he has to honor his king and show allegiance and loyalty. A loyal subject
should not even consider the thought of bringing harm to his king, let alone plot his
assassination.
These two reasons on their own speak "strong ... against
the deed." They are more than ample conviction for Macbeth not to kill Duncan.
Furthermore, Duncan is also Macbeth's guest, and it is imperative for a host to ensure
the safety of his guests. It would go against the grain if the host should consider committing
any dark, obnoxious deed against his guest/s.
Also, Duncan has been a kind
and gentle king. He has taken care of his subjects and has not been a tyrannical and despotic
leader. He has been gentle and "clear" in his "great office" which implies
that his actions were never questionable €“ further evidence that killing him would be a
purposeless exercise.
Because Duncan is such a good king, there would be a
clamor to bring the murderer/s to justice. There would be a cry in heaven against the
assassination. Macbeth would be damned forever €“ more than enough reason to not even consider
Duncan's assassination. Macbeth also realizes that not only would he be damned, but also that
those loyal to Duncan (which more than likely would be practically the whole of Scotland)
would seek revenge against the callous murderer.
These are the reasons
Macbeth provides against killing Duncan. The only motive for him to continue with this dastardly
deed would be his unbridled ambition and greed.
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