Does Macbeth Want to Kill Duncan?
Shakespeare’s tragedy “Macbeth” is a profound exploration of ambition, power, and the dark side of the human soul. One of the most intriguing questions that arise from the play is whether Macbeth truly desires to kill King Duncan. This essay delves into the motivations and internal conflicts of Macbeth, aiming to shed light on this enigmatic question.
In the beginning, Macbeth is portrayed as a loyal and heroic thane. However, as the play progresses, his ambition is ignited by the witches’ prophecies, which predict that he will become the Thane of Cawdor and, eventually, the King of Scotland. Initially, Macbeth is hesitant about the murder of King Duncan, as he is depicted as a virtuous and noble character. He expresses his moral dilemmas and fears of committing a heinous crime, as seen in his soliloquy:
“Is this a dagger which I see before me,
The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee.
I have no way to Duncan; I will not wheedle
Thy love from thee; I will be free of thy company
Before I will any violent entanglement
With thee.”
This excerpt illustrates Macbeth’s initial reluctance to kill Duncan. He is haunted by the thought of committing murder and is afraid of the consequences. However, as the witches’ prophecies continue to influence him, Macbeth’s ambition takes over, leading him to the conclusion that killing Duncan is the only way to secure his destiny.
The witches’ prophecies play a crucial role in Macbeth’s decision-making process. They present him with a clear path to power, and he believes that killing Duncan is the necessary step to achieve his goals. Furthermore, Macbeth’s internal conflict is exacerbated by the presence of Lady Macbeth, who is a relentless and manipulative force. She constantly pushes Macbeth to take the plunge and murder Duncan, as seen in her famous soliloquy:
“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.”
Lady Macbeth’s words serve as a catalyst for Macbeth’s decision to kill Duncan. She challenges his manhood and convinces him that only by committing the crime can he prove his worth. This further fuels his ambition and desire for power.
In conclusion, Macbeth’s decision to kill King Duncan is driven by a combination of ambition, the influence of the witches’ prophecies, and the manipulative tactics of Lady Macbeth. While he initially shows signs of reluctance, his internal conflicts are eventually overshadowed by his relentless pursuit of power. Therefore, it can be said that Macbeth does indeed want to kill Duncan, as it is a crucial step in his quest for ultimate power and fulfillment of the witches’ prophecies.