Tuesday, November 22, 2011

How do Macbeth and Banquo each respond to Duncan's praise?

When Duncan finally sees Macbeth and Banquo after they have defeated the Norwegian forces, he tells them that "More is thy due than more than all can pay"--that is, you deserve more than the entire country can possibly pay you. That's high praise. 


Macbeth responds that "The service and the loyalty I owe, / In doing it, pays itself." That is, it is enough that I am honored to fight for you. "Your highness' part / Is to receive our duties"--All you have to do is be king.


In essence, we owe you our loyalty, and we are honored to serve you. We ask nothing more. 


Duncan then turns to Banquo and says he deserves just as much; "Let me enfold thee / And hold thee close to my heart." Banquo responds, "There if I grow, / The harvest is your own." That is, whatever my work (fighting) produces belongs to you. 


Both are eloquently humble when Duncan praises them. 

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