| aimia_m_essaywrite_request | Write an essay |
| What topic | Who was responsible for the murder of king Duncan in Macbeth? |
| Which subject | English |
| What age group | College |
| How many pages | 1 |
| Add references | |
| Any other preferences |
The play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare is one of his most renowned and darkest plays. The play narrates the story of Macbeth, a loyal and courageous warrior, whose ambition and greed led him to commit the unthinkable murder of King Duncan. The question of who is responsible for this heinous crime is a topic of debate among scholars, and it has been the subject of much discussion and scrutiny. Some say it is Macbeth, while others blame the witches, Lady Macbeth or a combination of all three. In this essay, we will examine each character's role in the murder of King Duncan and determine who is responsible.
Macbeth, the play's protagonist, is a brave warrior who is highly respected by King Duncan and other nobles. However, he is also ambitious and is driven by his desire for power and glory. When he receives the prophecies from the witches, he becomes increasingly convinced that he should become king and that it is his destiny to rule. However, while he initially hesitates to kill King Duncan, he is eventually persuaded by his wife, Lady Macbeth.
While Macbeth is the one who physically kills King Duncan, his responsibility for the crime is not straightforward. His psychological state is clearly unstable, and he is plagued by guilt and visions of ghosts as a result of his actions. He seems to be a victim of his ambition and the witches' predictions. Thus, while he is the one who murdered King Duncan, he is not solely responsible.
The witches' role in Macbeth cannot be ignored. They appear at the beginning of the play and prophesize that Macbeth will become king. These predictions spark Macbeth's ambition and show him a path to achieving his desire for power. Shakespeare's portrayal of the witches makes them seem malevolent and evil, and their words seem to have a supernatural power to influence events. Therefore, some scholars argue that they should be partly responsible for the murder of King Duncan.
However, it is important to note that the witches do not explicitly tell Macbeth to kill King Duncan. They merely suggest that he will become king in the future. Thus, while the witches play a vital role in Macbeth's downfall, they are not the primary instigators of King Duncan's murder.
Lady Macbeth is perhaps the most compelling character in the play, and her role in King Duncan's murder is pivotal. She is the one who goads Macbeth into committing the murder, and it is clear that she is the one who initiates the plan. Her ambition, like Macbeth's, is to become queen, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to get there.
Lady Macbeth is a shrewd manipulator, and her influence over her husband is evident throughout the play. She taunts him about his lack of courage and masculinity and convinces him that killing King Duncan is the only way to achieve their goals. Therefore, while Macbeth is the one who kills King Duncan, it is Lady Macbeth who is primarily responsible for his murder.
In conclusion, while all of the characters in Macbeth play a role in King Duncan's murder, Lady Macbeth is most responsible. She is the one who convinces Macbeth to kill King Duncan and initiates the plan. Macbeth's ambition and the witches' prophecy are also contributing factors, but it is Lady Macbeth's manipulation that ultimately drives the murder. Therefore, the blame for King Duncan's murder falls squarely on her shoulders.