Why should Macbeth kill Duncan?
Macbeth is one of the famous tragic plays authored by William Shakespeare. Though it was found to be the shortest tragedy ever written by Shakespeare, it has continually captivated the interest of many people. Its plot and characters, which accounts the real historical personalities of Scotland but does tell of the genuine history of the country, enable many readers to imagine and internalize the characters as each line is read. The play is an excellent illustration of a tragedy that encompasses character, moral order, superstitions for witches and evil and is a great representation of an allegory.
The conflict that revolves around the story of Macbeth is whether or not Macbeth should kill the King of Scotland, Duncan. Macbeth is a general in the army of King Duncan, who later became the Thane of Cawdor and then finally, the King of Scotland. The reason behind Macbeth’s dilemma is because of two reasons. First, the three witches have prophesied that Macbeth will become king of Scotland. This has been a lifelong dream for Macbeth. The second reason was because of the powerful influence of Macbeth’s wife, Lady Macbeth, after she had known that Macbeth will become the King of Scotland. And in order for Macbeth to be the King of Scotland, he should kill Duncan as well as his two sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, who are future heirs to the throne. A plot was then formulated by Macbeth on how to kill King Duncan and his sons. With the help of Lady Macbeth, Macbeth triumphed over the killing of King Duncan and his sons. The prophecy of the three evil witches was then fulfilled. Macbeth became the King of Scotland and Lady Macbeth as the Queen, at the stake of killing King Duncan, Malcolm and Donalbain.
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