Who discovers Duncan’s body in Macbeth?

In Macbeth, it is Lady Macbeth who discovers King Duncan’s body after he is murdered. The scene occurs in Act 2, Scene 2, where Lady Macbeth feigns shock and horror upon finding the dead king, even though she was complicit in the plot to assassinate him. This discovery sets off a chain of events that leads to Macbeth’s eventual downfall, as his guilt and paranoia grow, and he becomes increasingly tyrannical in his rule.

The discovery of King Duncan’s body is a pivotal moment in the play, as it marks the beginning of Macbeth’s descent into madness and tyranny. As Macduff states, “Those that Macbeth hath slain,” referring to the king’s own guards who were framed for the murder (Act 2, Scene 3). The Old Man’s observation that “Tis unnatural, / Even like the deed that’s done” further underscores the gravity of the situation and the unnatural forces at work (Act 2, Scene 4). The discovery of Duncan’s body sets the stage for Macbeth’s rise to power and the subsequent chaos that engulfs Scotland.

Relevant Passages:

Act iii, Scene i

In this passage, Ross and an old man discuss the unnatural events that have occurred since Duncan’s murder, including animals behaving strangely and Malcolm and Donalbain fleeing. Macduff arrives and informs them that the King’s sons are suspected of the murder and Macbeth has been named the new king. Macduff plans to go to Fife, while Ross will go to Scone.

Act iv, Scene i

Lennox tells another lord about recent events, including Duncan’s death and Macbeth’s reaction, as well as the whereabouts of Macduff and the King’s plan for war.

Enter Lennox. and another
Lord. .

LENNOX.
My former speeches have but hit your thoughts,
Which can interpret farther: only, I say,
Thing’s have been strangely borne. The gracious Duncan
Was pitied of Macbeth:—marry, he was dead:—
And the right valiant Banquo walk’d too late;
Whom, you may say, if’t please you, Fleance kill’d,
For Fleance fled. Men must not walk too late.
Who cannot want the thought, how monstrous
It was for Malcolm and for Donalbain
To kill their gracious father? damned fact!
How it did grieve Macbeth! did he not straight,
In pious rage, the two delinquents tear
That were the slaves of drink and thralls of sleep?
Was not that nobly done? Ay, and wisely too;
For ‘twould have anger’d any heart alive,
To hear the men deny’t. So that, I say,
He has borne all things well: and I do think,
That had he Duncan’s sons under his key
(As, and’t please heaven, he shall not) they should find
What ’twere to kill a father; so should Fleance.
But, peace!—for from broad words, and ’cause he fail’d
His presence at the tyrant’s feast, I hear,
Macduff lives in disgrace. Sir, can you tell
Where he bestows himself?

LORD.
The son of Duncan,
From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth,
Lives in the English court and is receiv’d
Of the most pious Edward with such grace
That the malevolence of fortune nothing
Takes from his high respect. Thither Macduff
Is gone to pray the holy king, upon his aid
To wake Northumberland, and warlike Siward
That, by the help of these (with Him above
To ratify the work), we may again
Give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights;
Free from our feasts and banquets bloody knives,
Do faithful homage, and receive free honours,
All which we pine for now. And this report
Hath so exasperate the King that he
Prepares for some attempt of war.

LENNOX.
Sent he to Macduff?

LORD.
He did: and with an absolute “Sir, not I,”
The cloudy messenger turns me his back,
And hums, as who should say, “You’ll rue the time
That clogs me with this answer.”

Act i, Scene iii

The Thane of Ross reports that the King of Norway, aided by the disloyal Thane of Cawdor, has been defeated in battle by the Scottish forces. The King is pleased and orders the execution of the traitor and for Macbeth to be given the title of Thane of Cawdor.

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