The Rebellion Against Duncan

This flow follows Glamiss and Candor’s grievance against Duncan from private conspiracy through war and defeat.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Shared Grievance

Shared Grievance Property and Power Glamiss and Candor complain that Duncan hunts on their land, takes their resources, and drafts their men. Rebellion Named They frame their anger as a defense of ancestral rights and freedom from royal exploitation.

Recruiting Around Loyalty

Recruiting Around Loyalty Macbett Approached The Barons praise Macbett’s loyalty while concealing their conspiracy, then recognize that he cannot be trusted to join them. Isolation of the Plot Their rebellion begins without the support of one of Duncan’s most capable generals.

War on the Field

War on the Field Violence Without Clarity The battle is shown through confused reports, repeated atrocities, and soldiers unsure which side they are fighting. Victory Claimed Macbett and Banco defeat the rebellion, though the play makes the distinction between loyal service and brutality unstable.

Candor Captured

Candor Captured Defeat Explained Candor acknowledges that victory determines who is called lawful and who is condemned as a traitor. Political Lesson His speech presents survival and allegiance as calculations made after the outcome is known.

The Army Executed

The Army Executed Punishment Expanded Duncan orders Candor’s soldiers executed in a mass procession at the guillotines. Ceremony and Indifference Tea, conversation, and counting heads make state violence appear routine and socially acceptable.

At the opening field conversation

Before the armies assemble

During the battle between Duncan’s forces and the rebels

After Duncan’s forces claim victory

During the evening executions