What kinds of symbolism may be found in the following quote from Macbeth?
mshurn Teacher College – Freshman eNotes Editor The quote suggests through its diction that King Duncan was an extraordinary man, as well as an extraordinary monarch. The words “silver” and “golden” have connotations not just of royalty, but of that which is precious and rare. Before killing Duncan, Macbeth acknowledged Duncan’s goodness: . . . this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office, that his virtues Will plead like angels trumpet-tongued against The deep damnation of his taking-off; Macbeth continues, predicting that Duncan’s murder will evoke such great pity in his subjects “[t]hat tears shall drown the wind.” The fact that it is Macbeth himself who describes Duncan’s body in this way is enormously ironic and psychologically complex. The dramatic irony is clear; only Macbeth and Lady Macbeth know the truth of Duncan’s murder, while the others are still in the dark as to what Macbeth has done. By speaking of Duncan in such worshipful words
