Macbeth by William Shakespeare

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In Macbeth, what prompts people to think that Malcolm and Donalbain may be guilty of killing their father?

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Suspicion falls on Malcolm and Donalbain for the murder of their father, King Duncan , because they run away after Duncan's body is found. They run, however, because they realize that as Duncan's heirs, their lives, too, are most likely in danger. Donalbain tells his brother they should flee immediately, even...

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sara-heintz | Student

This is a good question because Macbeth and Lady Macbeth go to some trouble to frame Duncan's guard's for the murder. In Act II, scene ii, after Macbeth has committed the murder, Lady Macbeth plants the bloody daggers on the drunk guards and smears them with the king's blood.

     Give me the daggers [...]

     I'll gild the faces of the grooms withal

     For it must seem theit guilt

Then, before they can defend themselves, Macbeth kills them. See Act II, scene iii.

Malcolm, as Prince of Cumberland is next in line for the throne and is therefore in danger. of being assinated because he is now the new king. He is also a suspect in the kings death and running away,although it keeps him safe, makes him appear guilty.

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