The Witches Influence Macbeth's Decisions

The witches influence Macbeth’s decisions, however he is still responsible for his actions. The witches meet up and deliver the news of Macbeth being represented as the future Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland. Macbeth, doubting if it's true, believes in their prophecies after Banquo delivers the report that Macbeth has just been named the Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth reacts, “Why hath it given me earnest of success, Commencing in a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor: If good, why do I yield to that suggestion.” (I.3. 132-134) While the witches may have conflicted and begun the situation, it is Macbeth that made the final decision to carry forth with the plan. The witches entice Macbeth, and Macbeth himself craves what they expressed through the prophecies.

He was not forced to kill Duncan nor any of his other victims. This can be seen again when Lady Macbeth rings the bell to signal it’s time for Macbeth to kill Duncan. Macbeth reacts, “I go and it is done; the bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell that summons thee to heaven or to hell.” (II.1. 63-65) Macbeth eager to do the deed also indicates that its best Duncan does not hear the ringing as it’s designating his impending death, that calls him to either heaven or hell. Given much time to back out of the plan Macbeth moves forward with the proposal claiming that the bell rather invites him. As a result, the witches' prophecies led to the murder of Duncan. Duncan's death led to the guards death. The guards' deaths lead to Banquo’s and so on. Nevertheless, as Macbeth continues to murder individuals who are realizing that Macbeth condoned such behaviors, he finds himself in the same cycle. Macbeth utters, “We have scotched the snake, not killed it.” (III.2.13) Throughout this scene, Macbeth is becoming more paranoid about the murders they committed. Prior to the obsessions, Macbeth had Banquo murdered because he knew that Banquo would eventually discover that he murdered