Murder of King Duncan; This essay is about the character of King Duncan in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and the assessment of his murder. It includes his character traits and why Macbeth killed him.

Murder of King Duncan

        King Duncan of Scotland was indeed a saint and ruler whose caring, benevolent presence blessed all of Scotland, including its people, rather than an ineffective leader. A question comes up that states; "why? Why did Macbeth kill such an innocent man?" Duncan did nothing to deserve a violent death and Macbeth had no motivations or reasons to kill Duncan in the first place. After all he did make his pledge to Duncan who gave him a gift of life by giving him the special opportunity to be named thane of Cawdor as well as the thane of Glamis.

        Although at this point Macbeth and Lady Macbeth (not so much Lady Macbeth) are having second thoughts about this entire situation because they are visualizing the obstacles that will be presented after the assassination of Duncan, they still proceed to the actual event. Duncan's son, Malcolm, has already been made the heir to the throne after him followed by Donalbain, his younger brother.

The witches' prophecy for Banquo was that his family would eventually preside over Scotland, so he will obviously be an obstacle to tackle as well.

        Duncan has planned to visit Macbeth at Inverness and Lady Macbeth's plan was to kill Duncan under their household and domain to fulfill the witches' second prophecy. When she learns that Duncan is coming, she calls upon her evil spirits to fill her with cruelty in order to follow out this proposal. Now Macbeth and Lady Macbeth work as a team: Lady Macbeth in charge of the preparations and Macbeth carrying out the actual mission and completing the preparations. Macbeth has his own thoughts about the tragedy that is about to take place, but keeps them to himself because he has to act upon what his wife wants. He knows...