...In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the murder of King Duncan is not so easily culpable as many characters hold a certain level of responsibility. While it is easy to hold Macbeth responsible, as he was the one that committed the act, Macbeth is not the only one that played a hand in the inevitable downfall of Duncan. Upon a closer look at the events leading up to the murder, other influences in Macbeth’s decision emerge. While some were more influential than others, it still cannot be ignored that Duncan’s death may not have ever occurred if it weren’t for these other characters. The Weird Sisters, also known as the three witches, are ultimately the ones that unfolded these long series of events leading up to Duncan’s murder and even the events to follow....
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...Duncan was brutally killed by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth so that they could take his throne. Lady Macbeth and Macbeth were very thorough when killing the king. To execute this plan to kill the king so perfectly one person has to take charge and make things happen. I believe that Lady Macbeth was more responsible for Duncan’s death than Macbeth. The reason I believe it is Lady Macbeth was more responsible for Duncan’s death is that she starts the whole process of killing Duncan out by making the guards getting the guards drunk. “That which hath made them drunk hath made me bold / What hath quench’d them hath given me fire.” (2.2.1-2) Lady Macbeth in this quote is setting up Macbeth for failure because she is basically saying I just got the guards drunk so that their defenses are down all you have to do Macbeth is kill Duncan. This shows that Lady Macbeth is more urgent to kill Duncan by taking the first steps of the plan....
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...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...
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...Shakespeare’s Macbeth, blood is a reoccurring symbol. Shakespeare made the connection between blood and guilt; blood flows through our veins all around our body, it is a part of us. Even though guilt is not physically a part of us, we create it in ourselves. Blood is the physical representation of guilt as it symbolizes the irreversible effects of murder on the human mind. Guilt is the downfall of order and sanity. Even before murder, guilt consumes Macbeth’s mind causing him to hallucinate. Macbeth sees “gouts of blood” (II.1.46) on this “dagger of [his] mind” (II.1.38) as he is walking towards Duncan’s chamber to murder Duncan. Macbeth, at first, thinks the dagger is “a false creation, /Proceeding from [his] heat-oppressed brain” (II.1.38/39), but as he continues down the hall he then starts to feel it is not his sick brain, but it is the “bloody business” (II.1.49) of murder which causes this dagger to appear. This reveals that Macbeth is already emotionally unstable from Duncan’s murder even before one drop of blood is spilt from his body. Furthermore, Macbeth’s state of mind after the killing was so exceedingly erratic due to the guilt he felt that he forgets to frame the guards for the murder. Macbeth returns to Lady Macbeth, from Duncan’s room, to let her know that he has “done the deed.” (II.2.14) However, Lady Macbeth, upon seeing the daggers Macbeth had brought back, instructs him to “Go carry them and smear /The sleepy [bodyguards] with blood.” (II.2.52-53) Macbeth refuses...
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...“Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (Shakespeare, I.i.11). The three witches in Macbeth state that what is good, is bad and what is bad, is good. They live in a world where everyone is not what they seem. Appearance versus reality is a theme that repeatedly occurs throughout the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare. In this story, which takes place in Scotland in the early seventeenth century, three witches tell Macbeth that in the future, he will be king. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth begin to plot King Duncan’s murder so that Macbeth can be king. The three witches, Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth all prove that looks can be deceiving in both the play Macbeth and in society. To begin, the three witches use their powers to tell Macbeth his future, however,...
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...The play Macbeth by William Shakespeare displays ambition, fate, deception and treachery. Fate is a supernatural force that controls the actions and choices of others. In Macbeth fate plays an important role in the lives of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and Banquo. Macbeth’s fate is unavoidable and unchangeable. Macbeth’s fate is sealed as soon as he meets the witches’. Macbeth’s fate is tragic. Macbeth and Banquo are together...
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...Late last night, King Duncan was brutally murdered at Macbeth’s castle. Macbeth found the body along with Duncan’s guards who were covered in blood and had the murder weapons on them. Macbeth, being heroic and because of grief, killed the guards. But they may not be the only suspects. Malcolm and Donalbain are also accused of the murder, but they are nowhere to be found. The whole country is deeply saddened about yesterday night’s occurrences. Duncan was a guest at Macbeth’s castle to congratulate him on being Thane of Cawdor and fighting well, then later that night, at an expected 11:00pm, Duncan was killed by an unknown murderer. There were slashes all over Duncan’s body and the murder weapons were found on the bodies of the guards that supposedly were responsible for killing Duncan. “Lady Macbeth and I cannot believe what happened. Duncan will be missed, and his killers will be found” Macbeth said in a questioning when Lady Macbeth fainted soon-after she heard the news about Duncan’s murder....
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...Macbeth Literary Essay Submitted By: Zachary McGregor May 1st, 2012 I believe that Macbeth is fully responsible for his own destiny because whether or not it was fated, he still chose to do everything he did. We obviously know that Macbeth made some pretty bad decisions over the course of the play. He should be held responsible and forced to pay the consequences of his actions for the following reasons. We know that Macbeth still had the choice of whether or not to murder Duncan, although he was encouraged by the witches’ prophesies and Lady Macbeth he didn’t really have to go through with the murder. We also know that the crimes Macbeth commits are becoming increasingly sinister and evil, as he continues to do these terrible deeds it becomes easier and easier for him to commit them. Finally, Macbeth acknowledges his guilt for the crimes he commits and is therefore fully responsible for his actions. It seems that the witches’ predictions insinuate Macbeth’s desire to become king, however, no one actually forces him to kill Duncan. Even though Macbeth’s decision was most certainly influenced by the witches’ prophesies and Lady Macbeth, he still made the final choice regarding the murder of Duncan which is wrong. Macbeth’s ambition causes him to question his loyalty to the king after hearing the witches’ prophesies. “My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, shakes so my shingle state of man that...
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...rag doll? Do you think your wife really felt responsible or was she just worried about getting blood on the carpet? Oh stupid commoner, would it not be clear to the mind that she was never controlling me rather giving thy advice. Even if it were not to be the clearest idea, I king Macbeth will have taken all the credit soon becoming the greatest ruler to ever rule Scotland, yes at first I was a little bit nervous but after “I got the carpet bloody” it was not hard to go back. Lady Macbeth is loyal and very smart, when it comes to devious plans; that's exactly why we were meant to be, god has put us here to rule all of Scotland. Last I recall after the death of Duncan, Lady Macbeth gave me great advice “Look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under’t” (1.5.3). So don’t ask me such ridiculous questions, or you and Duncan will visit each other very soon. 2) What would you do differently to make sure you stayed King thus creating a positive outcome? Peasant, you clearly must be blind to the fact that thee King Macbeth killed almost every important figure in a matter of weeks. Oh but enough speak of my cleverness, talent and ability to take power; let’s talk about how I could have remained King longer. One thing that could have gone different was kill Macduff instantly as well as Malcolm. As well kill Fleance, because I’d rather my children have power than anyone else. But one thing I would do is have King Duncan’s death come much easier because at first my thoughts...
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...Causes of Macbeth's Downfall Essay Macbeth was a noble and loyal man, who would never harm his King. If it wasn't for the influences of the people surrounding him, he would have lived happily as Thane of Cawdor, an honourable title in itself. The downfall of Macbeth was ignited by the actions by those around him, mainly the witches and his wife Lady Macbeth, and eventually, his ambitions took over. Macbeth never had the intention of killing his king, but was ultimately persuaded that it was the correct thing to do. The three witches planted the seed of ambition within Maceth. They were the driving force behind Banquo and King Duncan's killing. The witches prophesised that his life would completely change, by becoming thane of Cawdor, then king of Scotland. At first, Macbeth dismissed their prophecies, but after he was promoted to Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth wondered if he will be King, too. "If chance will have me king, why chance may crown me without my stir." Another prophecy made by the witches was that Banquo's son will be king. Fuelled by paranoia, lack of sleep and visions, Macbeth was thrown into a state of confusion and a belief that the prophecies were inevitable. Lady Macbeth urged her husband to commit murder and it was this action that sparked Macbeth's downfall. When Lady Macbeth heard about the prophecies made by the witches, and how one of them had already come true, she called upon evil spirits to guide her through her task - killing the king. .".. Fill me...
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...his sons will be and that in turn poses a threat to Macbeth and soon, his kingship. Because the witches’ prophecy about Macbeth becoming king came true, he questions whether they were going to be right about Banquo and his legacy. Although, Macbeth in this scene is too worried, he does not realize that he was the one who fundamentally caused the series of events to occur after killing King Duncan. Banquo might decide to keep the information he learned from the witches to himself because if he spoke up people might think that he was a part of Kind Duncan’s murder, because they may believe that he did this just to become king. Also, he probably does not want to sabotage his chances of his sons becoming kings if someone else finds out. 2. Macbeth might be curious about where Banquo is going because he wants to keep an eye on Banquo for two reasons. One reason being that he wants to kill him so that his sons are not the reason that he loses his thrown. He uses this as a safety mechanism and later on in the act we find out that Macbeth hires three murders to kill Banquo in order to carry out his plan of staying king. He also wants to keep an eye on Banquo so that way he does not find out that he was the one who killed King Duncan for the thrown. Banquo may have already been suspicious of the murder because he was with Macbeth and heard the witches’ prophecies. 3. The “bloody cousins” as referred to Macbeth in line 29 are Duncan’s sons. They are the ones that the blame was placed...
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...At the beginning Macbeth and Banquo come in being the best of friends, joking around and having their arms around each other. We can tell they are best friends at the start because Banquo calls Macbeth 'my noble partner' which gives the impression that they are good friends. After the witches have vanished and Macbeth is proclaimed thane of Cawdor they start hiding things from each other and make this noticeable by starting to stand further apart. At this point Macbeth and Banquo do not trust each other as much anymore.We can tell this because Macbeth starts speaking aside and talking to himself and the audience. 'Glamis and thane of Cawdor: the greatest is behind', This suggests that he does not trust Banquo as much anymore because he is talking to himself, which shows he is going mad, and it sounds like he is plotting to do something. Although Macbeth is starting not to trust Banquo, Banquo still is loyal to Macbeth. 'The instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles - to betrays in deepest consequence' Banquo is being a friend and trying to warn Macbeth that the witches were trying to make Macbeth do something bad. But this does not help Macbeth to hold back to kill Duncan. Banquo always knew Macbeth is going to do something stupid, his desires are going to kill his respect and honour for Duncan. Finally, today after the death of Duncan and fleeing of his two sons, Macbeth is announced king. Banquo feels bad about this and quickly rushes to his castle and...
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...Weston Balskus Macbeth Thesis Paper 1-2-13 British Lit The Witches in ‘Macbeth’ “Double, double, toil and trouble; Fire burn and caldron bubble” (Act 4 Scene 1). These famous words, said by the three witches, come from one of William Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies- ‘Macbeth’ Completed in 1606, this play is set in Scotland, and dramatizes the corroding psychological and political effects produced when its protagonist, the Scottish lord Macbeth, chooses evil as the way to fulfill his ambition for power. Shakespeare wrote this play when attitudes were completely different to the attitudes of society today, in particular, widespread belief in witchcraft. In the play of 'Macbeth' the witches have an important effect on Macbeth, the characters, the plot, the theme and the audience. They help construct the play and without them it would have been a totally different story line. The three witches effect characters’ lives, orientate the plot, they are related to most of the themes or motifs and appeal the audience's attention. The witches, or three sisters, have a strong effect on the characters of the play- especially Macbeth. When Macbeth meets the witches for the first time, they greet him as the Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth is Thane of Glamis and does not know about Cawdor, he hasn’t heard that the Thane of Cawdor has died. “I know I am Thane of Glamis, But how of Cawdor? The Thane of Cawdor lives” (Act 1 Scene 3). When Macbeth learns that the thane of Cawdor has in fact died...
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...Macbeth- Shakespeare Caroline Rebry January 8, 2010 Mr. Salciccioli In the Shakespearean story Macbeth, the character Lady Macbeth, Macbeth’s wife, is one of Shakespeare’s most forcefully drawn female characters he has ever created. Lady Macbeth suffers none of her husband’s uncertainty. She desires the kingship for him and wants him to murder Duncan in order to obtain it. She is one of the only characters in the play that could persuade Macbeth the way she does. Her sly and cunning plans lead Macbeth to fulfill her desires of becoming King and Queen. As well, her incredible mind tricks cause her husband to continue to achieve their goal as becoming King and Queen. Considering the relationship between cause and effect in the play, Lady Macbeth, through her manipulation, deceptiveness, and mind games, is one of the characters who is more responsible for Macbeth’s crimes in the play. When we first meet Lady Macbeth, she is already plotting Duncan’s murder, and she is stronger, more ruthless, and more ambitious than her husband. She seems fully aware of this and knows that she will have to push Macbeth into committing murder. Lady Macbeth manipulates her husband with remarkable effectiveness, overriding all his objections; when he hesitates to murder, she repeatedly questions his manhood until he feels that he must commit murder to prove himself. Lady Macbeth questions, Was the hope drunk Wherein you...
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...Macbeth: A Tragic Hero? William Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth, attains a protagonist that evidently portrays himself as a tragic hero. A tragic hero is a character that is not completely good or evil and has a tragic flaw that eventually leads to his downfall. Macbeth is the epitome of a tragic hero because he starts off as a noble man until his own actions, also influenced by others, bring him to his own death. The events that help take Macbeth to his end are the prophecies told to him by the three witches, Lady Macbeth's pressure that drives him into committing horrible actions, and his own ambition that takes over him and leaves him as nothing but a power and money hungry character. Macbeth starts off with Macbeth and Banquo being praised after battling bravely in a war against the Irish Invaders. “At the beginning of the play, he seems the epitome of a loyal subject, valiantly fighting the rebel forces to protect the king and preserve his power.” (Elaine Pilkington 1) King Duncan believed that Macbeth was tremendously heroic in the battle and decided to name him the new thane of Cawdor after executing the old one because of his betrayal. However, before hearing from the King, Macbeth and Banquo were on their way to the King's court when they were suddenly accompanied by three witches.The witches greet Macbeth as the thane of Glamis, which was his original and only title, and as the thane of Cawdor, which Macbeth was not yet informed of. The witches also tell Macbeth...
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