Which king of Scotland does Macbeth murder in the Shakespeare play?

Question: Which king of Scotland does Macbeth murder in the Shakespeare play?

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Duncan.

In William Shakespeare‘s iconic tragedy “Macbeth,” the king of Scotland that Macbeth murders is King Duncan. The play, one of Shakespeare’s most famous and frequently performed works, delves into the dark and corrosive effects of ambition, power, and guilt.

The story commences with Macbeth, a loyal and brave general in King Duncan’s army, encountering three witches on the Scottish heath. These mysterious figures prophesy that Macbeth will become the Thane of Cawdor and eventually the King of Scotland. Shortly after this meeting, Macbeth is indeed named the Thane of Cawdor, which stirs his ambition and leads him to contemplate the truth of the second prophecy.

At home, Lady Macbeth, upon hearing of the prophecies, becomes consumed with ambition. She persuades Macbeth to seize the throne by murdering Duncan. Under the weight of his wife’s entreaties and his own mounting ambition, Macbeth succumbs and kills the king during his stay at Macbeth’s castle. The murder, done in secrecy, is a treacherous act, given that Duncan is not only a king but also a kinsman and guest in Macbeth’s home.

After the murder, Macbeth is crowned king, but the act of regicide haunts both him and Lady Macbeth. The play delves deep into the psyche of its titular character, showing how a once-noble and valiant man can be transformed by unchecked ambition. Guilt, paranoia, and madness ensue, leading to a cascade of tragedies.

The murder of King Duncan sets off a chain of events that culminate in Macbeth’s downfall. The play, while centered on ambition and its consequences, also touches upon themes of fate, free will, and moral order. Over the centuries, “Macbeth” has been analyzed, adapted, and performed countless times, a testament to its enduring resonance. The tale serves as a cautionary one, illustrating the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral decay that can result from the pursuit of power at any cost.