The Argument For The Murder Of Duncan In Shakespeare's Macbeth

In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the tragic hero, Macbeth, is given a prophecy by three witches, which predicts that Macbeth will be King of Scotland. At first, Macbeth is appalled by this idea, as this would require Macbeth to murder the current king, King Duncan. However, after two other predictions by the witches came true, Macbeth begins to contemplate whether or not he should kill the King, as the witches claim he will. Macbeth, a noble general and loyal follower of the King, is tortured by this proposition, leading to an argument between him and his wife, Lady Macbeth. She is determined for Macbeth to become King of Scotland, even if it means committing murder. During Act I, Scene vii, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth debate whether they should kill King Duncan, and though it seems that Macbeth is adamant that he will not commit the crime, Lady Macbeth ultimately convinces him to do so through

Once the idea was proposed that Macbeth was destined to kill the King and become King of Scotland, she was determined to have it so. She frequently questions Macbeth’s masculinity by telling him that he is less than a man for not taking the opportunity to kill the King. It is clear that Macbeth is a noble man, as he is already Thane of Glamis and a general in the King's’ army, which means that any attack on his integrity would resonate deeply with him. Macbeth would not let his honor and strength be doubted, allowing for Lady Macbeth’s words to carry significant weight in persuading him. Macbeth attempts to quell his ambitions, as he knows that too much ambition can lead to a man’s downfall, and because he feels that it is morally wrong to betray a King who has honored him. However, even his best attempts to rid himself of his evil thoughts is unmatched by Lady Macbeth’s want to have power, and she is therefore able to manipulate Macbeth into committing the