ing that Macbeth, while noble, is inferior to his wonderful son Malcolm, and deserves a nice spot in the sun even though his actions were less. This is where Duncan provokes Macbeth to hate him and also points out what Macbeth must do to become King. After this provocation, Duncan proceeds to visit Macbeth’s home; blissfully unaware that anything might be amiss. "This castle hath a pleasant seat. The air nimbly and sweetly recommends itself unto our gentle senses." (Act 1, Scene 6, Lines 1-3) So, Duncan’s fate is sealed, and Macbeth slays him in order to become King. Let it never be said that Duncan did not hasten his own demise. The other side of Duncan’s murder is due to the contribution of Lady Macbeth, who begins plotting as soon as she finds out Duncan is coming to stay. Macbeth truly found his soul mate in this sense; she certainly does think along the same vein as he. However, the Lady doesn’t seem to be at all divided on the issue. When Macbeth first hears the prophecies, and when the first 2/3 of it comes true, he does think of killing the king, but also, towards the end of Act 1, Scene 3, he thinks that perhaps he doesn't need to do anything to become the king : "If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me without my stir." On the other hand, Lady Macbeth, on receiving the letter telling her about the witches' prophecies, she immediately thinks that she and Macbeth will have to kill king Duncan. She also decides that Macbeth is too nice to kill the king, sayin that he "is too ful o' the milk of human kindness" and when she hears the Duncan will visit their castle that night, she immediately appeals to the evil spirits, to (ironically) give her the strength to kill the king. (http://www.planetpapers.com/count.cgi?ID=204) She completely ignores the first influence of Duncan (assuming that she knows it at all). Her influence is completely self motivated and originated in her own mind. She takes a...
