The Influences Of Macbeth's Decision To Murder Duncan

The prophecies of the three weird sisters greatly influenced Macbeth's decisions to murder Duncan, and to have Banquo and Macduff's family killed. The very first apparition tells Macbeth that he will become the thane of Cowdor and the King of Scotland. An important question rises that many readers have debated about. Would Macbeth have became the King of Scotland even if he did not know of the prophecy? The witches could have deceived him with partial truth to lead him to his undoing. Every evil deed committed by Macbeth has been the product of his ambition and fear, ingrained into him by several apparitions.

Lady Macbeth attempts to clear Macbeth's doubts about killing Duncan only because she wants to see her husband reign as King. However, this idea never existed as a possibility before Macbeth's and Banquo's encounter with the evil sisters. As a result of the encounter, Macbeth's ambition drives him to murder Duncan. The witches promote this by saying a partial truth that pushes him to believe that he can become the King. The witches said that he would become the Thane of Cowdor. This was reaffirmed to him when the actual message regarding his promotion arrived. It is interesting to wonder if Macbeth would have ever became the King of Scotland if he did not murder Duncan. The role of fate and destiny is very evident in the play. …show more content…
The prophecy told to Banquo by the witches said that Banquo would father many kings. Macbeth starts to fear the possibility of losing his control over the throne. Despite the fact that Banquo was an old friend of his, he hires murderers to assassinate Banquo and Fleance. During the banquet, the murderers report back to him and tell him that Banquo is dead. However, they also tell him that Fleance escaped. This drives Macbeth mad and he starts acting odd. This is simply the beginning of Macbeth's