Who Is Responsible For Duncan's Death In Macbeth

The prophecy stated above describe the events that will set the stage for the murder of King Duncan. A man thought to be ordained by God; the proof of this in the text is alluded to when a wounded soldier praises Macbeth for recreating “another Golgotha,” (1:2:44): where Christ was crucified. With Macbeth murdering Duncan, the allusion is that Duncan is like God on Earth, “His silver skin laced with his golden blood.” (2:3:128) However, his gullible nature clarifies that he is a man: There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face: He was a gentleman on whom I built, an absolute trust. (1:4:15) We can tell that Duncan’s downfall is his trusting nature, however, there is no proof of him being ruthless, unkind or despised – it

When part of his prophecy comes true, he begins to lust after power. This lust is also shared by his wife Lady Macbeth, who becomes barren in exchange for her ambition: giving up the one thing women during was honoured for, during that time period. Both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is given an opportunity to achieve their desire, when the trusting King Duncan comes to visit Macbeth’s home. Unaware that his eloquent manner of appreciation, “See, see! Our honour’d hostess! … And thank us for your trouble.” (1:6:12-15) will invite death at his bedside. That night, King Duncan is killed by his “servants” (1:6:30), Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Even though Lady Macbeth did not physically commit the crime, she did however play a part: “My hands are of your colour, but I shame to wear a heart so white.” (2:2:81) As the play progresses it becomes very clear that Macbeth cannot fit into the Duncan’s shoes, “strange garments, cleave not to their mould,” (1:3:168). This reinforces the idea that King Duncan was a great leader. Therefore, when writing his prophecy, words like servant, master, honour, permission, God were used. Words that will intrigue a person of authority and respect. Especially if those words were used by Hecate to tell the prophecy to King Duncan. Hecate according to Greek mythology is the Goddess of witchcraft. The play Macbeth portray the

… You should be a women, and yet your beards forbid me to interpret that you are so,” (1:3:41-48).

Hecate happens to be leader of witches who wasn’t invited to join in the “trade and traffic with Macbeth in riddles and affairs of death,” (3:5:4-5). Therefore, given their elf and fairy like nature, it isn’t likely, that Hecate will sit still and miss out on her own share of fun: she did show anger when talking with a witch, “Have I not reason, beldams as you are, saucy, and over-bold? How did you dare…” (3:5:1-2); that is why Hecate is more likely to give King Duncan his prophecy, to create chaos that she was denied when Macbeth’s prophecy was told. In conclusion, the prophecy of King Duncan was illustrated with a symbol of a raven taking flight. A bird that symbolize mischievousness, sadness and death. They are believed to attack the eyes of their prey first; just like how the mischievous words of the witches blinded Macbeth with lust for power. The same lust that became a determining factor in the murder of King Duncan. However, the raven drawn along with the prophecy is outlined in indigo and is not completely colour in, to demonstrate everything is not the fault of what the raven symbolizes. It may be true, the witches’ prophecy gave Macbeth justification for his wrongdoings, and however it was Macbeths’ own choice to murder King Duncan. It was also King Duncan’s overly trusting nature