Macbeth Group

Question:

lala56
lala56
Student
Community / Jr. College

In Macbeth, how does Duncan describe Inverness Castle? What does this say about his judgment and imply about Banquo?

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Posted by lala56 on Friday April 3, 2009 at 3:24 PM and tagged with act i, banquo, duncans description of inverness, king duncen, macbeth, scene v.

Answers:

  1. mshurn
    mshurn Teacher
    College - Freshman

    When King Duncan arrives at Inverness, accompanied by Banquo and the rest of his party, the King admires Macbeth's castle, commenting upon its pleasant location and climate:

    This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air

    Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself

    Unto our gentle senses.

    Duncan's reference to "gentle senses" means that he finds this place not only pleasant, but soothing. Banquo then confirms Duncan's reaction to Inverness, noting that the air is "delicate."

    This brief exchange between Duncan and Banquo shows that the King trusts Macbeth and views his castle as a place of rest and renewal. Duncan's judgment is unsound in this regard. Macbeth has deceived Duncan, managing to conceal his treachery, just as the Thane of Cawdor had fooled Duncan before betraying his trust. Banquo still trusts Macbeth at this time, although Macbeth's reaction to the witches' prophecies has puzzled him. The inclusion of this conversation introduces strong dramatic irony to the scene since the audience is well aware of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's terrible intentions.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/act-ivsummary-analysis
    http://www.enotes.com/macbeth/other-characters-descriptions

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    Posted by mshurn on Friday April 3, 2009 at 9:38 PM