Shakespeare's classic tragedy Macbeth tells the story of a proud nobleman who attempts to rise to the top of the hierarchy commanding the kingdom he serves in following an enigmatic and supernatural prophecy. Given the treacherous acts he would have to commit to fulfill this prophecy, Macbeth was hesitant to move forward. Thanks to his wife's influence and the challenge she presented to him, he was able to carry out his deception. The task now is to determine who is more sinister; the one who sharpened the blade, or the one who crossed it. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay The character Macbeth was introduced in the play as a valiant warrior capable of incredible feats on the battlefield by fighting in name of his kingdom. After successfully completing one of his conquests, Macbeth and his partner Banquo were greeted by three mysterious women speaking intriguing riddles (Casson). The three strange sisters told Macbeth that his destiny was to become king. Enchanted and excited by this prophecy, Macbeth told his wife of his fate in a letter that would unfold in an onslaught of betrayal and betrayal. The letter not only explained his prophecy, but alerted Lady Macbeth that King Duncan would be staying at their residence. Lady Macbeth did not consider this a mere coincidence and began to devise her plot to seize the throne. His plan was simple in theory, requiring only numerous libations for the guests and guards and a blade to eliminate the king. Macbeth was, however, a faithful warrior, known for his honor as a man of his kingdom. Macbeth was hesitant to commit such an atrocious act against the kingdom. His wife took advantage of his reputation, threatening his manhood and berating him for being afraid. “The seeds of Macbeth's eventual assertion of his own arbitrary will as supreme and the resulting nihilism are already contained in Lady Macbeth's desire for 'sovereign sway and mastery'” (Hibbs). After suffering such a blow to his self-esteem, Macbeth immediately decides to act according to his original ideals and carry out his claim to the throne (Casson). “Macbeth also harbors a deep, dark desire to ascend the throne by any means necessary” (Hibbs). In the darkness of the night, Macbeth entered King Duncan's quarters and killed him and the two guards posted outside. Returning to his wife, bloody daggers in his hands, Macbeth was shaken as he relived the crime he had committed, leaving his wife to take it upon himself to cover it up. Although both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth have some responsibility for the murder, the question remains. ; who is more responsible of the two? “Shakespeare's Macbeth depicts an act performed with full recognition of its wickedness” (Hibbs). Both are painfully aware of the magnitude of their actions, but their distinct methods of dealing with their guilt reveal the darker participant. Macbeth has visions centered on floating daggers, serving as reminders of this horrible act. The bloodied nobleman simply cast aside his guilt, reminding himself that the daggers are only a vision. “It doesn’t exist.” “The alternation in Macbeth between moral horror at the idea and the realization of an idea of ​​manliness in its implementation is concentrated in the double meaning of his monologue and his vision of a dagger” (Clark) . Lady Macbeth, while reliving the events herself, clearly recognizes her guilt. “If he hadn’t looked like my father in his sleep, I would have done it.” She too ends up being prey to visions.