Macbeth Response Paper

ENG 262

Macbeth justification paper

There are many factors that contributed to Macbeth’s pursuit to become king. Macbeth was indeed a very ambitious person. But ambition is not what drove him to commit treason and murder many people to become the king. One important factor that contributed to Macbeth’s pursuit to become king was the three witches who planted the idea in his head. Another significant influence was Lady Macbeth who provoked him and questioned his man hood. Macbeth did carry out horrible and unforgivable acts, but there were more influence to this than just his own thoughts.

The three witches played a very important role in Macbeth’s pursuit to become king; they planted the idea of the kingsmanship in Macbeth’s head. At first Macbeth didn’t believe the witches prophecies, but when they told him that he was going to become the thane of Cawdor “ All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, thane of Cawdor!” (Act I, Scene III) and this prophecy came true then Macbeth started to believe that there was some validity to the witch’s prophecy. After becoming king the witches lead Macbeth to believe that there was no way that anyone could stop him. “Be bloody, bold resolute; laugh to scorn The power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth” (Act IV, Scene I). The witches basically tell him that no one can kill him since every normal person is supposed to be naturally born from a mother, this makes him feel unstoppable.

Pg. 2

“Then live, Macduff: what need I fear of thee? But yet I’ll make assurance double sure, And take a bond of fate: thou shalt not live; That I may tell pale-hearted fear it lies, And sleep in spite of thunder.” (Act IV, Scene I).

Lady Macbeth was a huge influence in Macbeth’s pursuit to become king. Lady Macbeth pushes and provokes Macbeth to murder the king, she is really stuck on the idea that she could become queen. “He brings great news. The raven himself is hoarse that croaks the fatal entrance...