Duncan v.s. Macbeth

1. King Duncan was a kind and noble leader. His people loved him for his fairness, loyalty, and kindness. King Duncan put faith into the people he surrounded himself by. He gained the trust of his men and the respect and loyalty that came in turn; he says "He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust." (1.4.13-15) The people of Scotland trusted Kind Duncan deeply and never tried to overpower him, but what if someone got that idea? This is what happened when Macbeth was given a prophecy that he shall be king, "All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!" (1.3.48) Learning this Macbeth and Lady Macbeth became power hungry and fate driven and plotted their attack on King Duncan.  King Duncan ran his country being the "nice guy" but I think that he should have installed more rules and regulations in his leadership. He might have had even more respect if he had ran his country with a more firm yet gentle hand.

2. I think that Machiavelli would judge Macbeth poorly. First of all, Macbeth isn't even truly of royal stature because he was titled by the desperation of a new king. When Malcolm and Donalbain fled, they left no remaining air, and since Macbeth was so well known for his leadership and battle skills, he was the first to be thought of in replacing the King. I think that Machiavelli would have lost some respect for him because of this reason. I also think that Machiavelli would like Macbeth because he is unsuccessful. Scotland is in a way falling apart around him and all he cares about is himself and the power he gains form ruling Scotland. This relates to the quote "benefits should be conferred gradually; and in that way they will taste better" by Machiavelli. Macbeth was given everything that a King earns right off. He was given power, riches, and virtually everything he needed to dictate Scotland. I think that throughout the story, Macbeth become more and more an example of the quote by Machiavelli " Of mankind we may say in general they are fickle,hypocritical, and greedy of gain." This is shown strongly at the point in which Macbeth orders for Macduff's loved ones to be killed for no reason. I think that because of the poor leadership and appearance that Macbeth has shown, Machiavelli would not agree that he is a good leader.