by Austen Howard

Created on: May 20, 2007

There is one person responsible for Duncan's death-Macbeth. While many argue that Lady Macbeth or the three witches forced Macbeth to kill Duncan, this is not true. The three witches simply told Macbeth that he would be king. The did not mention murder. Because Macbeth mentioned murdering Duncan, it is fair to assume that he had already been considering his own rise to the throne. While the witches may have increased Macbeth's desire and made him more ambitious, they did not force him to kill Duncan.

Banquo was also given news by the witches. They informed him that his children would be kings, yet he did not feel moved to murder. Banquo, who had never thought of murder, did not now think of murder. If the witches had the influence over mortals then Banquo too would be plotting not only Duncan's death but the death of anyone else who was not of his line.

Lady Macbeth also gets blamed for Macbeth's deeds. She insults Macbeth's manhood and questions his courage, this is true. But Macbeth has suggested the murder and Macbeth is ultimately the one who has to take responsibility. From the time Duncan is murdered the Macbeths are drawn apart. Macbeth no longer confides in his wife, nor does he allow her to help him in his ambition.

One of the main characteristics of the tragic hero is that he or she must admit responsibility for his or her own deeds. This is true of Macbeth. In order to truly be a tragedy no one can be responsible for Macbeth's deeds but Macbeth. Arguably, he realizes this when he fights Macduff, knowing he will be defeated.

Throughout the play Macbeth has options. He makes his own choices. No one can force Macbeth to do anything. At best they can encourage him or plant the idea in his head, but ultimately, Macbeth's actions are his own.

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