The Death Of Duncan, The King Of Scotland

Duncan, the king of Scotland, was murdered in the castle of Macbeth the thane of Glamis and Cawdor in Castle Dunsinane at midnight on 12th November 1556. The king was murdered on his bed with a dagger. Two grooms of king were also dead; covered with blood of Duncan on their face and with the dagger used to kill him.

Macduff being the first one to react said in horror that “murder hath broke ope the lord`s antinone and stole thence the life of building”. Soon after this there was lot of commotion in the castle and the alarm bell was rung. Everybody was informed about this incident. Macbeth was very upset and expressed his distress and great loss by saying that “the wine of life is drawn and the mere lees is left this vault to brag of”. He also went to the extent of showing his love and affection towards the king by adding that “Had I but died an hour before this chance”. On the other hand Malcolm and Donalbain the king’s sons did not have much to say and remained silent.

Lady Macbeth faints as Macbeth was giving the explanation of his repent of fury which had made him to kill the guards of the king. Banquo (nobleman) showed his determination of finding the killer by saying that” against the undivulged pretence I fight of treasonous malice”. The people of Scotland were also shocked at Duncan’s murder. The night Duncan was murdered was very wild. People heard lamenting painful ghostly cries. Many of the chimneys were blown down. Some people said that they could hear the screeching of an owl.

Since Malcolm and Donalbain both have escaped from the castle and left the country. So they are considered to be main suspects of Duncan’s murder. While Macbeth was the next closest to king after his sons so he was made the king. Coronation of Macbeth is going to take place soon. The killer of king’s mystery still unsolved.

Who killed the king?

It is a puzzling case, as there are a number of suspects connected to the murder. It was said that the murder was carried out using a stealthy knife by the guards. Duncan was stabbed repeatedly in the chest; reasons as to why this happened are unknown. Maybe jealousy? Greed? Ambition? Power?

Lord Macbeth had arranged a grand party for the king and his sons. After hearing the news of the King being murdered, the whole Scotland is mourning for their beloved king but they are also outraged and want to know who committed this foul deed. The real question is who first found the king’s body. In an interview with Lord Macbeth he said ” early in the morning, two noblemen, Macduff and Lennox, called at the castle to visit King Duncan” Speaking of Lord Macduff, he also had some very interesting things to say during our interview. Lord Macduff said “Lord Macbeth had a wonderful speech prepared as though he knew he was dead and didn’t seem so surprised.” He also happened to be the host of the party and our king Duncan died in his house so it does arouse suspicion.

There’s also the fact that Macbeth was the one who killed the only witnesses of the murder. “I will never forget the scene of when I walked in to wake king Duncan to find him dead in a pool of blood, what a horrific scene I cannot even describe” Says Lord Macduff. Right outside his chambers the guards had dangers and blood all over their faces. At the time it seemed clear that they had killed the king. However, now suspicion hangs in the corner. The whole scene seemed staged. It all seemed quite suspicious. Macbeth’s speeches were so heartfelt and long that it almost seemed as though they were prepared. Macbeth also killed the only witnesses to the murder out of ‘rage’. There is also the fact that the king died in his house. There are too many factors that cannot be ignored. However there is another theory to who may have killed the king. King Duncan’s two sons Malcolm and Donalbain fearing for their own lives fled Scotland, Malcolm for England and Donalbain for Ireland. Their hasty departure makes them appear guilty and prime suspects in the investigation.

Lord and Lady Macbeth issued a statement along the lines that they were shocked and outraged by the murder of their glorious leader and that the perpetrators would be hunted down. However, life must go on and Macbeth would be assuming the role of king as of now. They also said Lennox and Banquo are saddened by this event. But in full support of their new monarch. Guards say it was an inside job. As you can see, several people have different opinions on the matter, the truth is yet to be revealed. In summary it seems as though Macduff is suspicious of these new deaths, which Macbeth explains by saying that his fury at Duncan’s death was so powerful that he could not restrain himself. So the real question here is, who killed the king? When will we get justice?