Duncan, King of Scotland was actually crowned in 1034 AD and ruled for 6 years. In The Tragedy of Macbeth, there are a number of characters who could be held accountable, and liable for his murder!

Shakespeare has Macbeth's castle at Dunsinane Hill, Perthshire in central Scotland, just south of the Highlands where there are still remains of two early forts.

Good King Duncan is a guest, sleeping at Macbeth's castle. Macbeth follows the image of a dagger to Duncan's bedchamber and kills him in his sleep.

This evil deed is only implied and happens off stage in Act 2, Scene 2 when in performance but there are more people involved in the death of the King, other than just Macbeth, Thane of Cawdor!

KING DUNCAN

Duncan is a weak, niave, incompetent, complacent, king. He foolishly trusts way too easily and does not learn from his mistakes.

For example, his first Thane of Cawdor betrays Scotland by fighting for the Norwegians against him and then history repeats itself as Duncan's second Thane, a.k.a. Macbeth, in return for promotion and all the land and title associated with Thane of Cawdor, kills the king for his trouble!

Duncan cries half way through a speech, which put his guard down. A strong king should always control his emotions and perhaps this show of weakness opened the door for an assassination attempt.

He should have hired more professional minders that could do their job properly and not be easily led by Lady Macbeth, getting drunk instead of guarding their king.

Duncan practically commits suicide with all these blunders. His decision-making brings on his own death making him his own worst enemy and is thus, partly responsible.

GUARDS

The bodyguards were supposed to protect him. Think what an outcry there would be these days if our monarch were bumped off by a rival who gained access through those trying to protect by drugging them.

We have seen Prince Charles minder in action in the past. I am sure there are terrorists out there who would like to manipulate, drug and tap into the royal family of England via their round the clock team! Our Boys do their job properly, quite clearly and so should have Duncan's.

BANQUO

He knew of the witches' prophecy and Macbeth's desire to be king but did not warn Duncan. If he had, they could have formed an alliance and got Macbeth first, saving both their bacons!

Banquo may have been jealous at the lack of reward from King Duncan for services to Scotland. He got just a hug, whilst Macbeth got land! Banquo

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Literary analysis: On considering who is responsible for the death of King Duncan in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'?
We want to hear your view. Write now!