An In-depth Breakdown of Macbeth's External Factors
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Summary of Degrees of Responsibility in Macbeth or Who is Guilty in Macbeth?
In the article Summary of Drees of Responsibility in Macbeth or Who is Guilty in Macbeth, the author shares my philosophy that an individual is ultimately responsible for their actions and consequences, but external forces are inescapable and sometimes can recieve a degree of responsibility at times. The author takes an in-depth look at each of these external forces in Macbeth that effect the thoughts of and even cause Macbeth to commit his treaturous and immoral deeds.
The witches
The three witches in Macbeth are the catalysts of Macbeth's chain of immoral deeds. They plant the idea in his mind that he will be King in Act One Scene Three when they say, "All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!" (17). Macbeth, accepting his fate that the witches gave him, goes on to kill Duncan, the King. This is the first of a few immoral deeds done by Macbeth, and while he is responsible for his actions, the witches' influence on him was something he could not escape. Had the witches not initially told Macbeth about his fate, he likely would not have ended up killing Duncan, which he did in order to become King quickly. The article states "Next to Macbeth, the witches seem to hold the most responsibility for the eventual assassination of King Duncan." This goes to show that Macbeth is clearly the first to blame for Duncan's death, but clearly also shows the influence of the witches upon his actions.
lady macbeth
Lady Macbeth no doubt receives a large amount of responsibility for Macbeth's actions leading to his downfall. When she hears of the possibility of her husband becoming king, she perseveres to make sure he follows through with his claims of wanting to kill Duncan. She makes a parody of his manhood, degrading Macbeth as weak and not a true man because he will not kill Duncan. She says, "When you durst do it, then you were a man; and to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man" (43). Macbeth's manhood is being mocked and challenged by his wife, as she pressures him to kill Duncan. This consistant and inescapable pressure from Lady Macbeth plays a large role in Macbeth's decision to actually commit the deed. In the article it states, "...Lady Macbeth’s constant belittlement and demoralization, until the deed is done, makes her nearly as guilty as Macbeth for his actions." This reiterates my above statement that sometimes an inevitable external force can greatly influence a person's actions.
Duncan and his guards
While it may seem odd, Duncan and his guards do indeed bear some of the responsibility for Duncan's death under the hand of Macbeth. Duncan knew Macbeth was a violent and power-seeking man. When he granted him the title of Thane of Cawdor, Duncan was clumsy in not being attentive to the power hungry Macbeth. He should have recognized the possibility of Macbeth desiring more power than that which his title gives him, and in turn not have been as irresponsible as to let his guards drink that night which would have made sure he was properly protected. The guards, instead of protecting the king, decided to drink until drunk. This made them incapable of properly protecting Duncan, and allowed Macbeth to easily steal his title. As is said in the article, "Had the guards not drank so much, and the king allowed them to drink, they would have been sober and ready for Macbeth’s attack." The clear and obvious shortsidedness of Duncan, and the senseless drinking of his guards only aided Macbeth in the completion of his task, and therefore retains part of the responsibility for Duncan's death.