Lady Macbeth Responsible For Killing Duncan

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Macbeth – Portfolio Entries Act One Only a single character in the play is solely responsible for the decision to murder Duncan. Although many would say that the Three Witches and Lady Macbeth were responsible, none of them had provided the idea of murder. Macbeth had arisen with that wicked act of murdering Duncan solely on his own. Upon meeting with the witches, Macbeth and Banquo were both told of their fates: Macbeth being king and Banquo’s children being kings. However, Banquo did not consider murder. He says to Macbeth, “That, trusted home / Might yet enkindle you unto the crown / Besides the thane of Cawdor. But ‘tis strange. / And oftentimes, to win us to our harm / The instruments of darkness tell us truths / Win us with honest…show more content…
Macbeth had a more guilty conscience and was suffering from the after-shock of murdering Duncan. Lady Macbeth, on the other hand, was more callous and merciless to the act. Macbeth says, “This is a sorry sight.” (2.2.29) referring to his bloody hands, showing remorse on such a brutal deed he had just completed. Lady Macbeth replies, “A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight.” (2.2.30), which in contrast to Macbeth, she had no sympathy, but had an encouraging and proud sensation. Lady Macbeth was stronger in handling the situation, expressing almost no emotions over what her husband did. As Macbeth was expressing the faults of his responsibilities, Lady Macbeth comforts him by saying, “Consider it not so deeply.” (2.2.41) and “These deeds must not be thought / After these ways; so, it will make us mad.” (2.2.44-45), reassuring Macbeth with lack of care, not to fret over what he has done. Macbeth cannot bare what he had just done, however, showing clear signs of anxiety and guilt, as he says, “Methought, I heard a voice cry, “Sleep no more! / Macbeth does murder sleep” –the innocent sleep”…show more content…
Through her death, it is revealed in Macbeth his care and love for his wife. Her death was at a terrible time, and Macbeth wishes she died later, when it was possible to mourn her, as he said: “She should have died hereafter / There would have been a time for such a word.” (5.5.19-20). It is revealed how desolate and miserable Macbeth’s life will be when he says, “To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow / Creeps in this petty pace from day to day” (5.5.21-22). This line is significant because Macbeth expresses that his life will have no meaning. So even if he somehow avoids his fate, and still remains king, he will not be truly happy without the companionship of his wife. These emotions are also evident in the line, “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player / That struts and frets his hour upon the stage / And then is heard no more.” (5.5.26-28). When he says, “it is a tale / Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury / Signifying nothing.” (5.5.28-30), he admits that life is meaningless, and expresses that he is in despair and hopeless to living. Ultimately, Lady Macbeth’s death was justifiable because it brings conclusion to the consequences of actions leading to guilt: “All of our yesterdays have lighted fools / The way to dusty death.” (5.5.24-25), meaning that the foolish actions done in the past has only led to

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