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How can I compare the culpability of the three witches, Macbeth, and Lady Macbeth in Duncan's murder?

The Three Weird Sisters may be considered culpable in Duncan’s death only by giving Macbeth the prophecy. However, they did not specify how Macbeth would be king. There are many possible paths for the fulfillment of this prophecy. It was Macbeth’s hubris to assume that he had to be active in his accession to the throne. In this way, the major guilt lies with Macbeth, not the witches. They simply spoke the truth as Fate...

The Three Weird Sisters may be considered culpable in Duncan’s death only by giving Macbeth the prophecy. However, they did not specify how Macbeth would be king. There are many possible paths for the fulfillment of this prophecy. It was Macbeth’s hubris to assume that he had to be active in his accession to the throne. In this way, the major guilt lies with Macbeth, not the witches. They simply spoke the truth as Fate would bring it about.


Initially, Macbeth, while he considers the possibility of murder, is not sure if he should do anything. It is his wife, Lady Macbeth, who pushes him over the edge. She accuses him of being weak in not taking a darker path to achieve his destiny. Left alone, he may have waited to see how Fate played out the prophecy.


Overall, it is Macbeth who is culpable of the death of Duncan and Banquo, as well as the others. Lady Macbeth is also culpable of “aiding and abetting” these murders. She herself killed the guards that Macbeth was too frightened to kill. Though strong as a warrior, Macbeth’s weakness and susceptibility to wrong influence led to his downfall.

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