1. Prophecy of the Weird Sisters:
The play begins with three witches, known as the Weird Sisters, who greet Macbeth and Banquo, two generals in King Duncan's army. The witches make ambiguous prophecies that plant the seeds of ambition in Macbeth's mind.
- Thane of Cawdor: The witches address Macbeth as "Thane of Cawdor" and predict that he will become the King.
- King of Scotland: They further prophesy that Macbeth shall be the King of Scotland.
2. Encouragement from Lady Macbeth:
Lady Macbeth, Macbeth's wife, plays a significant role in convincing him to murder Duncan. She is fiercely ambitious and craves power. Lady Macbeth manipulates and goads Macbeth, pushing him to take action and fulfill the prophecies.
3. Personal Ambition:
Macbeth's desire for power and kingship drives him to commit the crime. He reasons that by killing Duncan, he can expedite his rise to the throne. Macbeth's ambition overrides his moral conscience and sense of loyalty.
4. Lack of Moral Compass:
Macbeth struggles with internal conflicts and guilt after committing the murder. However, his initial lack of moral restraint and reluctance to shed blood are overcome by his quest for power.
5. Fear of Losing Opportunity:
Macbeth fears that if he doesn't seize the opportunity to become king, someone else may claim the throne. This fear, coupled with his ambition, motivates him to take action.
6. Influence of Darkness and Evil:
The play presents supernatural elements, such as the witches and the darkness that surrounds Macbeth's actions. The influence of these dark forces further weakens Macbeth's resistance to evil.
In conclusion, Macbeth kills Duncan due to a combination of factors, including the prophecies of the Weird Sisters, the influence of Lady Macbeth, personal ambition, moral weakness, and the play's exploration of darkness and evil.