MacBeth Essay

The blame for Duncan’s death can be shared upon a variety of characters, although there may be a sole recipient for the majority of fault to fall upon. The three main character’s responsible for the demise of the former king include; MacBeth, Lady MacBeth and the Three Witches. Despite the fact that the Three Witches provoked this implement of the plan in MacBeth’s head, all three characters listed previously are all held responsible for the cause of Duncan’s death.

The Three Witches are responsible for the original idea of taking the throne, although it is MacBeth’s ambition that overwhelms him and eventually, Lady MacBeth. When MacBeth initially meets the Three Witches’ after the battle in the scenes following the Witches’ first appearance. The sisters’ initially hail him as Thane of Glamis, and then proceed to hail him for being the Thane of Cawdor and for being King of Scotland. These prophecies implement and open his mind as to being King even though that the audience receives no indication as to what he is thinking. Initially, MacBeth is quite skeptical but then doubt turns to belief after being announced Thane of Cawdor. The Three Witches may have initiated the thought of becoming King, but it is ultimately Macbeth’s own ambition that takes it to the next level.

Lady MacBeth is portrayed as a catalyst in the act of regicide for which MacBeth commits. Lady MacBeth is instantaneously overwhelmed by the idea of becoming queen, and thus shows her as ambitious figure herself, but in a more selfish persona as she is lusting for the throne. On the night of the murder MacBeth establishes to Lady MacBeth that he wants nothing further to do with the act they are about to commit. Lady MacBeth does not take this news well and begins to insult and torment MacBeth after he has presented her with the consequences that are racing n his mind. MacBeth is then asked, “Was the hope drunk wherein you dressed yourself?” meaning that Lady MacBeth is asking whether he is in a correct state of mind, or whether he is ill.

MacBeth is represented as an ambitious and also insane figure, which thirsts for power, although it may appear as if he will abandon his initial plan of regicide. MacBeth is initially confused when he receives the prophecies of him becoming Thane of Cawdor and becoming King, as he believes that they are lying, until he receives news about being named Thane of Cawdor, which was on of the Witches prophecies. MacBeth sends word to Lady MacBeth of his experience and that he is considering proceeding with his plan in regicide. Then, MacBeth when on the edge of committing the crime, tells his wife, “We will proceed no further in this business”. After a heated discussion with Lady Macbeth, MacBeth proceeds to murder King Duncan in the middle of the night. At the end of the day, MacBeth is the assailant with the dagger and blood on his hands, even though his wife has persuaded him to do it.

The tyranny of MacBeth would not be without the assistance of the Three Witches, and Lady MacBeth. Although the Witches may have initially implemented the idea of regicide, their blame consists of about 25%. Even with this being said, without the Witches initial conversation, the whole idea of regicide would have probably ceased to exist. Lady MacBeth may also partake in the blame due to her ‘encouraging’ conversations, which persisted MacBeth to continue with his plan with regicide. In the end, it’s MacBeth’s own decision to assassinate King Duncan and claim the throne.