However it cannot be argued that Macbeth did want these prophesies to come true. After the first half came true Macbeth would obviously be surprised, just like anyone else. But Macbeth decided to just let events take their course without his interference. This shows that Macbeth had no intention of murdering Duncan in order to gain the title of King.
Macbeth had already been exploited with evil forces. Without the manipulation of the witches, the idea of kingship would have never crossed his mind. Never.
It was the next evil influence, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth’s wife that made him go over the edge and kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth had said herself that her husband was ‘too full of the milk of human kindness’ to murder. Therefore she tried to possess him with evil spirits so his loyalty would not interfere in the deed.
The plan for the first murder was all Lady Macbeth’s work. Macbeth did not know of it till very late. Even on the night of the murder Macbeth was hesitant. He was scared of the consequences. He took into the arguments against killing. This shows that he had thought about not committing the murder. You may say, he still murdered. Yes he did, but because of the pressure put on by his wife. She challenged his manhood by saying he was a coward and not a man. I believe that Macbeth was clearly not, I repeat not in a clear state of mind. He only killed Duncan to prove his courage to his wife. He did not want to be out done by a woman.
Macbeth killed the two guards to protect his position. This is the same reason why he killed Banquo and Macduff’s family. He was also worried that they would betray him. Macduff did exactly this. He was a traitor. His wife even said so. When Macduff’s son asked if his son was a traitor, his wife replied ‘Ay, that he was.’ His own wife thought this of him. Come on.
In spite of this you still may say that Macbeth was a selfish man by killing these people, but he was under the influence of evil. In my opinion, as long as someone is possessed by evil, it is not fair to hold them responsible. After all he was only making the country safer for everyone by getting rid of the dangerous elements.
So, therefore I can conclude that Macbeth is not the guilty one. Lady Macbeth is. Macbeth was under a constant state of fear and confusion because of his wife as well as the witches. I believe that if there is a culprit for making Macbeth murder, it is Lady Macbeth. She was the ambitious one not Macbeth. She knew she was to blame; otherwise she would have never killed herself. Never.
