Ambitions to Commit Evil in Macbeth

In Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, one could argue that Macbeth is motivated to commit his evil acts by three forces. For example, the witches in the play give him the first idea that he will be king. In addition, his own ambition starts to take over later in the play. Lastly, Lady Macbeth pushed and provoked him constantly to commit these evils. So even though Macbeth committed these acts, there was more influence then just his ideas.

The three witches in the play are a pretty big influence on Macbeth. For example, the witches tell him that he will be the Thane of Cawdor and it comes true proving the witches right of their prophecies. “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!” (I.iii.51-52). “But how of Cawdor? The Thane of Cawdor lives,” (I.iii.75). “… call thee Thane of Cawdor:” (I.iii.110). Also, They tell him none of woman born can kill him, thus making him feel in-stoppable. “The power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth.” (IV.i.86-87). In the end they basically plant the seed of ambition for Macbeth’s evilly committed crimes.

Secondly, it’s his own ambition to become king and to sit on the throne of Scotland. One way he proves this is killing his best friend Banquo, because he wants to keep the throne and the witches said Banquo’s sons would be kings. “It is concluded: Banquo, thy soul’s flight…” (III.i.157). Furthermore he starts to murder innocent women and children. “He has kill’d me, mother…” (IV.ii.96). Thus, consequently, costs Macbeth his life due to his power overwhelming him and his carelessness of killing. “Of this dead butcher…” (V.ix.41).

Lastly, Lady Macbeth is a huge factor in Macbeth’s evil acts. For instance, she is the one who really starts him off to killing. She pushes him for her satisfaction of being queen. “And fill me, from the crown to the toe, top-full…” (I.iv.45). In addition to this she constantly questions his manhood making him feel like a wuss if he doesn’t commit this act. “They have made themselves, and that their fitness now does unmake you.”