Who's To Blame In Macbeth

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During the events that transpire in “the scottish play”, it could be argued that there is some person or force that could be blamed for things. Banquo’s death was planned by Macbeth, and Macbeth’s death was foreshadowed by the witches. But when you go back to the event that started all the conflict in the play, who is really to blame? Even though Macbeth is technically the one who did the killing, blame cannot be fully placed upon him. There are multiple factors that have a serious affect on Macbeth’s judgment. The witches have a psychological effect on Macbeth because they put the idea of becoming king in his head. His wife, Lady Macbeth also contributes to his unclear judgment by causing him to go thru with the murderous plan. Although macbeth does …show more content…

They first cast a spell at the beginning of the play. This allows the witches to see into the future and show that Macbeth will eventually become a king. They then come to Macbeth and tell him of his prophecy. Placing this idea in his head causes Macbeth to wonder his ability to actually become king, filling his head with a plan to take it for himself. They put the idea in Macbeth's head because “The Witch's course of revengeful action for a trivial gesture of exclusion is a parodic anticipation of Macbeth's murderous wresting of the crown from the Duncan who had named as his heir not Macbeth but Malcolm.” (Biggins). They know of Macbeth’s ambition and try and take advantage of it, eventually causing him to “come to know his destiny” (Macbeth III. v.). Although the witches play a large part in the death of Duncan, Lady Macbeth has equally as much of an impact on Macbeth’s mentality. From the moment she receives the letter of the witches prophecies, her immediate plan is to kill Duncan. She continously haggles and pushes the idea of murdering Duncan onto Macbeth. When Lady Macbeth says “Only look up

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