Do you agree that the witches are the most powerful characters in the play and the catalyst of all Macbeth’s crimes?
In Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, we encounter a character named Macbeth who is acknowledged as a formidable soldier in the play. This suggests that he possesses a strong determination. As the story progresses, we observe his transformation from an already ambitious character into one consumed by the thirst for power. This thirst is initially sparked by prophecies and apparitions relayed to Macbeth by witches, who predict that he will become the ruler of Scotland. It is not only the witches who propel Macbeth towards committing crimes, but Lady Macbeth also plays a role in motivating and implanting her own malicious values within him. Macbeth’s personal greed and ambition serve as driving forces behind his pursuit for power, and he is fully aware of this fact.
During Shakespeare’s era, individuals possessed a strong belief in superstitions and perceived their lives to be greatly influenced, or even controlled, by the forces of fate. Macbeth becomes mesmerized by the prophecies foretold by the witches regarding his future and is determined to ensure their realization. Ultimately, it is the predictions made by these three witches concerning his ascension to the throne of Scotland that ignite his ambition. Alongside deceiving Macbeth, these witches’ prophecies create a temptation within him to assassinate King Duncan. They are responsible for initially implanting this notion in his mind. The witches spark Macbeth’s imagination, encouraging him to contemplate murdering Duncan with the aim of seizing power. These chaotic and troublesome beings personify human emotions such as hatred and wickedness.
Initially, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have a close relationship and see each other as equals in their pursuit of power. However, when Lady Macbeth reads a letter from her husband, she becomes worried that his compassionate nature may impede their ambitions. As a result, she convinces Macbeth to kill King Duncan. Nevertheless, in Act 1 Scene 7, Macbeth admits that Duncan has been a benevolent ruler without any valid reason for the murder.
Lady Macbeth’s questioning of Macbeth’s character wounded his ego and made him doubt his worth as a man. She was determined to help him become King by any means necessary. To achieve this, she advised him to deceive others by appearing welcoming and innocent, while hiding his true intentions like a serpent beneath a flower. Without Lady Macbeth’s influence, Macbeth would still be noble and honorable. Both Lady Macbeth and the witches manipulated him.
Despite Lady Macbeth and the Witches being portrayed as the most influential figures in the play, Macbeth himself holds responsibility for his actions and the act of regicide. In his soliloquy, he confesses his innermost desires and acknowledges that he must engage in malevolent acts in order to achieve his ambition of becoming King: “stars, hide your fires; let Light not see my deep and black desires.” Thus, Macbeth recognizes that he has willingly chosen the path of evil.
Both the witches and Lady Macbeth exploit Macbeth’s vulnerability to manipulate and influence his actions. Lady Macbeth contributes to Macbeth’s evil intentions, but the witches provide a glimpse into his potential reign over Scotland. However, ultimately, Macbeth is responsible for his own choices and bears the final decision within himself.
In act 1, scene 3 of the play, Macbeth is hailed as the Thane of Glamis: “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis.”
