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Who is suspected of killing King Duncan in “Macbeth”?

Updated 21 March, 2024
Answer:
In Shakespeare's "Macbeth," the person suspected of killing King Duncan is Macbeth himself. The Scottish general and his friend Banquo encounter three witches who prophesize that Macbeth will become king. Driven by ambition and encouraged by his wife, Macbeth decides to take action to make the prophecy a reality. He murders King Duncan in his sleep and frames the king's drunken guards for the crime. However, Macbeth's guilt and paranoia consume him, and he continues to commit more murders to secure his hold on the throne.
Detailed answer:

In Shakespeare's "Macbeth," the murder of King Duncan is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the rest of the play. The person suspected of killing the king is Macbeth, the play's tragic hero. Macbeth is a Scottish general who is hailed as a hero for his victory over a rebel army. He encounters three witches who prophesize that he will become king, which ignites his ambition and desire for power. Encouraged by his wife, Lady Macbeth, he decides to take action to make the prophecy a reality.

Macbeth murders King Duncan in his sleep, stabbing him multiple times with a dagger. He then frames the king's drunken guards for the crime, leaving their bloody daggers at the scene. However, Macbeth's guilt and paranoia consume him, and he begins to see visions and hear voices that torment him. He becomes increasingly ruthless and paranoid, committing more murders to secure his hold on the throne.

The suspicion of Macbeth's guilt is fueled by his behavior after the murder. He seems to be genuinely disturbed by the crime and has trouble acting normally around others. He also admits to killing the guards, claiming that he did so out of a sense of rage and justice. The suspicion is further fueled by the suspicious circumstances of the murder, as well as the fact that Macbeth is the next in line for the throne. Eventually, Macbeth's guilt catches up with him, and he is undone by his own ambition and his crimes.

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