Discussion Topic

Key quotes from Macbeth explaining his decisions to kill Duncan, Banquo, and Macduff's family, and his reasons behind these choices

Summary:

Macbeth decides to kill Duncan because of his ambition, as reflected in "I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent, but only / Vaulting ambition." He kills Banquo due to fear of losing power, shown in "To be thus is nothing; / But to be safely thus." He murders Macduff's family out of spite and paranoia, indicated by "The castle of Macduff I will surprise."

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Which quotes from Macbeth explain why Macbeth killed Duncan and Banquo?

To really understand Macbeth's motivation for committing these murders, take a look at Act I, Scene III, in which the witches make three prophecies. According to the second of these, Macbeth will become king:

All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter.

In addition, according to the third, Banquo's sons will rule as kings:

Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.

These two quotes are important because they ignite Macbeth's deepest desire for power. Macbeth wants these prophecies to come true and, as shown later in the scene, he begins to dwell on this "imperial theme."

Later, in Act I, Scene V, Macbeth writes a letter to his wife in which he reveals the prophecies. Notice how he talks about their exciting future ("greatness") in which he is certain to become king (if Duncan is removed):

This have I thought good to deliver thee, my dearest partner of greatness, that thou might’st not lose the dues of rejoicing, by being ignorant of what greatness is promised thee.

Then, in Act I, Scene VII, Macbeth refers again to his desire to be king, specifically his ambition:

I have no spur

To prick the sides of my intent, but only

Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself

And falls on th' other.

So, it is clear that his motivations for killing Duncan are all based on his ambition to rule Scotland and to provide a great future for himself and his wife. 

Similarly, on the issue of killing Banquo, take a look at this quote from Act III, Scene I, in which Macbeth expresses his fear that the above prophecy will come true and that Banquo's sons will rule Scotland. Macbeth, therefore, must act to protect his regal position:

Our fears in Banquo

Stick deep, and in his royalty of nature

Reigns that which would be feared.

Finally, in the next few lines, Macbeth makes it clear that he must eliminate Banquo and his sons if he is to remain king:

To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!
Rather than so, come fate into the list,
And champion me to th' utterance.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial