It is unmistakably human to run from the consequences of our mistakes. We try to deflect responsibility onto those around us, blame other factors for our failings. At a certain level, however, it doesn’t matter what circumstances lead to sin. It is the hand that wields the knife upon which blame must fall, regardless of the situation. In William Shakespeare’s classic story of betrayal and violence, Macbeth, determining where the guilt lies raises interesting questions. Macbeth tells the story of the rise and fall of an ambitious scottish thane, the titular Macbeth. Manipulated by his wife and by three witches, Macbeth betrays and murders his liege, King Duncan, and becomes king of Scotland.Yet as king, he knows no peace, and his paranoia and …show more content…
Lady Macbeth did plan the killing of Duncan, “Only look up clear; / To alter favour ever is to fear. / Leave all the rest to me”, but it was Macbeth who carried out the act (1.6.71-73). Her planning just facilitates Macbeth’s inner demons. Later in the play, as Macbeth becomes more cruel and paranoid, her absence is conspicuous. In the murders of Banquo and of Macduff’s family, she is not involved at all. Macbeth commits these acts alone, compelled by his own insecurity. How can Lady Macbeth be responsible for Macbeth’s descent into evil when she is not even involved in the darkest crimes he commits? Again, like the witches, while she may appear superficially responsible, it is Macbeth’s own flaws that lead him to …show more content…
But once the extraneous factors are stripped away, the evidence is clear. The witches serve only to mislead Macbeth; the seeds of evil festered inside him long before he encountered the witches, as is clear by his response to their prophecy of his kingship. Lady Macbeth is only involved in the first act of evil. Macbeth becomes a true tyrant without her involvement. She is merely giving him a push in a direction he already dreams of going. Finally, it is Macbeth’s fatal flaw that is the root of all the tragedy. While other characters may place him on the path that leads to his fatal destruction, he makes the decisions that lead to the violence and tyranny that are central to the play. Other people may fashion the dagger, sharpen it, place it in Macbeth’s hand, and clean up the blood afterwards, but it is Macbeth who wields the blade, and it is on Macbeth’s head blame must be