King Duncan

This article is about the character in Shakespeare's Macbeth. For other uses, seeKing Duncan (disambiguation).

King Duncan
Macbethcharacter
Lady Macbeth at the bedside of King Duncan (Lady Macbethby George Cattermole, 1850)
Created by	William Shakespeare
Based on	Donnchad mac Crinain(Duncan I) of Scotland
In-universe information
Children	Malcolm,elder son and heir Donalbain,younger son

King Duncanis a fictional character inShakespeare'sMacbeth.He is the father of two youthful sons (MalcolmandDonalbain), and the victim of a well-plottedregicidein a power grab by his trusted captainMacbeth.The origin of the character lies in a narrative of the historicalDonnchad mac Crinain,King of Scots,inRaphael Holinshed's 1587The Chronicles of England, Scotland, and Ireland,a history of Britain familiar to Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Unlike Holinshed's incompetent King Duncan (who is credited in the narrative with a "feeble and slothful administration" ), Shakespeare's King Duncan is crafted as a sensitive, insightful, and generous father-figure whose murder grieves Scotland and is accounted the cause of turmoil in the natural world.

Analysis

King Duncan is a father-figure who is very generous and kind. Duncan is also firm ( "No more that Thane of Cawdor shall deceive / Our bosom interest. Go pronounce his present death / And with his former title greet Macbeth."), insightful ( "There's no art / To find the mind's construction in the face."), and sensitive ( "This castle hath a pleasant seat. The air / Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself / Unto our gentle senses."). However, the role is full of irony; he is completely deceived in the intents of Macbeth and therefore may come across as naive. Although a modern reader may view Duncan as an incompetent monarch in this respect, Duncan represents moral order within the play and his murder signals the onset of chaos.

Film and television performances

Film

Duncan has been played in film adaptations of the play byAnthony Headin 2008,Gary Sweetin 2006, and Tom Reid in 2003. Javier Ronceros performed the role inDogg's Hamlet, Cahoot's Macbeth(2005) and John Little inMacbeth: The Comedy(2001). Christopher McCann played Duncan inMacbeth in Manhattan(1999). Greg Korin, John Corvin, andAntti Litjaplayed the role in 1998, 1997, and 1987 respectively. Erskine Sanfordplayed King Duncan inOrson Welles' 1948Macbeth,Louis Northop in a 1946 film adaptation, and by Nicholas Selby in 1971Macbeth Spottiswoode AitkenandCharles Kentboth played Duncan in silent versions ofMacbethin 1916 and 1908 (the first screen version of the play).David Thewlisportrayed the part inJustin Kurzel's2015 adaptation,whileBrendan Gleesonperformed the role forJoel Coenin his2021 version.

In Orson Welles' 1948 film adaptation ofMacbeth,the role of King Duncan is reduced. 1.2 is cut entirely as well as generous portions of 1.4. King Duncan is seen briefly in 1.6 as he enters Macbeth's castle amid considerable pomp. The top of 1.4 with its description of Cawdor's execution has been transplanted to this scene. Banquo's "temple-haunting martlet" speech is given to Duncan. Duncan is later seen asleep in bed for a fleeting moment as Lady Macbeth slinks about in the chamber's shadows. Donalbain has been cut from the film, leaving Duncan with just one son, Malcolm.

Television

Vincent Reganplayed King Duncan in "ShakespeaRe-Told"Macbeth(2005),Ray WinstoneinMacbeth on the Estate(1997),Laurence Paynein "Shakespeare: The Animated Tales"Macbeth(1992),Griffith JonesinA Performance of Macbeth(1979), andJacques MauclairinMacbett(1974),Kevin Coughlinon the "Goodyear Television Playhouse" (1955), andLee Pattersonon the "Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Presents"Dream Stuff(1954). Other television performers of the role includePhilip Madoc(1998),Mark Dignam(1983), Powys Thomas (1961),Malcolm Keen(1960),Leo G. Carroll(1949),Arthur Wontner(1949).

Bibliography

• Bevington, David, ed., and William Shakespeare.Four Tragedies.Bantam, 1988.