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when does macbeth become king ?

**When Does Macbeth Become King? A Tragic Ascent**

**Introduction**

William Shakespeare’s *Macbeth* is a timeless tragedy that explores ambition, guilt, and power. Central to the play is the question: when does Macbeth become king? This blog post delves into both the dramatic portrayal and the historical context, tracing Macbeth’s ascent to the throne and the consequences that follow.

**Macbeth in Shakespeare’s Play**

In Shakespeare’s *Macbeth*, the titular character is a Scottish general serving King Duncan. The play opens with Macbeth and Banquo encountering the three witches, who prophesy that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor and eventually king. This prophecy ignites Macbeth’s ambition.

**The Catalyst: The Murder of King Duncan**

Macbeth’s ambition is further fueled by his wife, Lady Macbeth, who encourages him to kill King Duncan. The murder occurs in Act 2, scene 2. After the deed, Macbeth’s paranoia leads him to kill the guards to eliminate witnesses, framing them for the crime.

**The Coronation: A Dramatic Omission**

Interestingly, Shakespeare does not depict Macbeth’s coronation. Instead, the event is inferred through dialogue in Act 2, scene 4. This omission allows Shakespeare to focus on Macbeth’s psychological transformation and the immediate aftermath of the regicide.

**Historical Context: The Real Macbeth**

Historically, Macbeth ruled Scotland from 1040 to 1057. He killed King Duncan I in battle near Elgin, Morayshire, in August 1040, securing the throne. His reign was marked by conflict, particularly with Duncan’s son, Malcolm III, who eventually overthrew Macbeth.

**The Tragic Downfall**

In the play, Macbeth’s kingship is short-lived. His reign is fraught with guilt, paranoia, and further bloodshed, including the murder of Banquo and Macduff’s family. His tyranny leads to his isolation and eventual defeat by Malcolm, mirroring the historical outcome.

**Conclusion**

Macbeth’s journey from thane to king is driven by ambition and a tragic flaw. In Shakespeare’s play, his kingship begins immediately after Duncan’s murder, symbolized by the witches’ prophecy and the subsequent events. Historically, Macbeth’s reign was more complex, but his downfall aligns with the play’s tragic arc.

Macbeth’s story serves as a cautionary tale about unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power, resonating across centuries.