Macbeth - Who is to blame for Duncan's death?

Summary

In this lively discussion, participants explore the question of blame and responsibility for King Duncan's murder in *Macbeth*. While Macbeth physically commits the act, Lady Macbeth's influence plays a significant role. However, it's suggested that Macbeth's own ambition and desire for power were already present, merely sparked by the witches. The debate leans toward a shared responsibility, with Macbeth ultimately making the conscious decision. The conversation also touches on how modern perspectives often vilify Lady Macbeth unfairly, overlooking Macbeth's own agency in his choices.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The discussion revolves around the blame for the murder of Duncan Macbeth in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.
• 🤔 The participants agree that Macbeth bears the majority of the blame (70%), with Lady Macbeth influencing him but not being the sole cause.
• 🌱 It's suggested that Macbeth had the ambition and desire for power already within him, which was activated by the witches' prophecy.
• 🗡️ Macbeth is seen as the one who ultimately uses the knife to commit the murder, but Lady Macbeth is credited with the idea and planning.
• 🧙‍♀️ The witches are acknowledged for planting the idea of kingship in Macbeth's mind, but they do not directly instruct him to kill Duncan.
• 👑 Lady Macbeth is often vilified and historically blamed more for Duncan's murder than Macbeth, which the discussion aims to reevaluate.
• 💡 The conversation highlights the dynamic of a power couple and how one influences the other, which is a theme still relevant today.
• 🚫 Macbeth has a moment of refusal to proceed with the murder, showing he has the ability to choose against it, but Lady Macbeth persuades him otherwise.
• 🤝 The couple is described as a team, with one member (Lady Macbeth) having a significant influence on the other's actions.
• 🌟 The discussion also touches on the idea that Macbeth may have contemplated kingship and murder prior to the witches' prophecy, indicating a premeditated thought process.
• ❓ The participants question the responsibility and blame, distinguishing between the two and considering the characters' control over their actions despite external influences.

Q & A

Who does the group think is primarily responsible for Duncan's murder in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'?

The group believes that Macbeth is primarily responsible, with Lady Macbeth having a significant influence. They suggest a 70% responsibility for Macbeth and 30% for Lady Macbeth.

What role do the witches play in the group's discussion of Duncan's murder?

The witches are seen as the catalysts who plant the idea of Macbeth becoming king, but they do not directly instruct him to commit murder. The group acknowledges that the witches' prophecy activates Macbeth's ambition.

How does the group view the influence of Lady Macbeth on Macbeth's actions?

The group recognizes Lady Macbeth's significant influence, noting that she positions Macbeth to commit the first murder. However, they also argue that Macbeth has his own ambition and the decision to act on it ultimately lies with him.

What historical perspective does the group discuss in relation to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's roles?

The group discusses the historical context of the 11th century, suggesting that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth might be one of the earliest examples of a power couple in literature.

Why does the group think Lady Macbeth is often vilified more than Macbeth for Duncan's murder?

The group suggests that it's easier to vilify Lady Macbeth because she is the one who devises the plan and persuades Macbeth to act. They also note that historically, women have often been blamed more in such situations.

What does the group discuss about the concept of agency in relation to Lady Macbeth?

The group acknowledges Lady Macbeth's agency, noting that she has a strong motivation and drive to influence Macbeth. However, they also emphasize that Macbeth has the final say in his actions.

How does the group differentiate between 'blame' and 'responsibility' in the context of Duncan's murder?

The group discusses that while 'blame' might be more associated with Lady Macbeth due to societal biases, 'responsibility' is shared between both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, as they both play active roles in the murder.

What does the group think about Macbeth's initial reaction to the witches' prophecy?

The group believes that Macbeth is unsure at first but is enticed by the prophecy. They suggest that the ambition was already within him, and the witches' words merely activate it.

How does the group view the progression of Macbeth's actions after the first murder?

The group sees a snowball effect where Macbeth, once he commits the first murder, continues down a path of violence to maintain his power, showing a lack of restraint and an increasing willingness to do whatever it takes.

What does the group discuss about the modern-day parallels to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's power dynamics?

The group draws parallels to modern-day power couples in politics, suggesting that Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's dynamics are not unique and can be seen in various contexts throughout history.

How does the group interpret Macbeth's statement about 'chance' crowning him king?

The group interprets Macbeth's statement as an indication that he is contemplating the prophecy without necessarily planning to act on it, showing that the decision to murder Duncan is a conscious choice he makes later.