Macbeth's Murder of Duncan in William Shakespeare's Macbeth

Macbeth's Murder of Duncan in William Shakespeare's Macbeth

Shakespeare uses the Greek idea of Tragedy in his play 'Macbeth' when

he focuses on one character with a fatal flaw that brings him

greatness but eventually leads to his downfall. However, 'Macbeth' is

not a typical example of a Greek Tragedy: A Greek hero would not be

responsible for his down fall, whereas Macbeth brings it on himself.

Macbeth's ambition is the main factor in driving him to murder. Other

factors such as the predictions of the witches and Lady Macbeth's

persuasive techniques have a part in Macbeth's transformation,

although his ambition is the driving force.

Macbeth's encounter with the witches early on in Act one introduces

the idea that he could become King. 'All hail Macbeth, that shalt be

King hereafter'. All though Macbeth dismisses these predictions in his

conversation with Banquo he is hiding his true feelings. '(Aside)

Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor: The greatest is behind'. This idea of

disguising thoughts is an important theme throughout the play. The

predictions that Macbeth and Banquo hear lead to the break up of their

friendship, this is the intention of the witches. The pair become

suspicious of each other: Banquo suspects Macbeth's plan and Macbeth

is worried that Banquo knows too much. 'Let us speak our free hearts

to each other'. Macbeth is trying to find out how much Banquo suspects

without arousing his suspicion any further. This is another example of

feelings being disguised. Macbeth eventually realises that he has to

kill Banquo despite their strong friendship because Banquo is honest

and loyal to the King.

After the execution of the...

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...hey make him believe that the

action he takes to become King is destiny, diverting the blame for his

crime away from him.

The witches decide the time of Macbeth's attempt at sovereignty. When

Malcolm becomes Prince of Cumberland the method is decided: Macbeth

realises it will not occur justly. Lady Macbeth simply reassured

Macbeth: He had already made up his mind to go ahead. He makes her

think that he is against it so she will ease the burden on his

conscience by persuading him to go ahead. The circumstances of

Duncan's stay at the castle decided the exact time and place.

Ambition drove the whole act and was also responsible for Macbeth's

downfall, the other influences merely triggered the ambition. Had they

not occurred, his ambition would have led him to an attempt at the

throne at another point in his life.