1. Macbeth's Fatal Ambition: The witches' prophecy awakens Macbeth's ambition to become king. However, it is Macbeth's hunger for power that drives him to commit murders and engage in ruthless actions. He could have chosen to reject or ignore the witches' prediction, but he allows it to consume him.
2. Free Will and Personal Responsibility: Macbeth is a fully formed character with agency. He has the free will to make his own decisions and is ultimately responsible for the choices he makes. Blaming the witches absolves Macbeth of his personal accountability for his actions.
3. Character Traits: Macbeth exhibits several flaws in his character, including ambition, insecurity, and a susceptibility to manipulation. These traits, combined with the witches' prophecies, contribute to his tragic downfall.
4. Chain of Events: While the witches set in motion a chain of events, each death is a result of Macbeth's choices. He orders the murder of Duncan, Banquo, and Macduff's family. These deaths are consequences of Macbeth's actions, not solely the witches' influence.
5. Additional Factors: Other characters, such as Lady Macbeth, also play a significant role in the play. Her influence and manipulation further push Macbeth towards committing heinous acts.
In conclusion, the witches in "Macbeth" serve as external forces that challenge and tempt Macbeth, but it is his own character flaws and decisions that ultimately lead to the tragic deaths in the play. Assigning blame solely to the witches oversimplifies the complex exploration of human nature, free will, and the consequences of one's actions that the play presents.