Macbeth is an Aristotelian tragedy created by the famous William Shakespeare. Written in the early 17th century, it outlines the rise and ultimate demise of the violent and ambitious Macbeth. He becomes a general in the Kings Army, when the prediction of three witches comes true, and he is given the rank of Thane of Cawdor by King Duncan. His power-hungry wife, Lady Macbeth, persuades him to kill King Duncan by making Macbeth feel weak and cowardly. After the murder, the witches tell Macbeth that Banquo’s child will become king, so Macbeth sends two murderers to kill both Banquo and Fleance. Before the murder, however, a third villain appears and helps kill Banquo. Shakespeare never reveals the name of the third murderer, but by using evidence, it is clear that Macbeth is the character who helps kill Banquo since he had the motive, the means, and the ability.
In order to determine guilt for a murder, the suspect must have the means to commit the crime. According to the article “Means, Motive, and Opportunity” by William Randolph, means is defined as, “the ability of the defendant to commit the crime” (Randolph 1). In the case of Macbeth, he has proven his ability to carry out the crime many times. Not only has he killed many men on the battlefield, but he also murdered his king for power and status. After he kills King Duncan in his sleep, he tells his wife, “I have done the deed. Didst thou not hear a noise?” (2.2, 19) Macbeth shows that he is indeed capable of murder here, since he kills the king with only persuasion from his wife. This was not a crime of passion; it was a premeditated murder that benefitted both Macbeth and his wife. If Macbeth were truly unable to murder someone, he would never have fought in the front lines of the battlefield or killed King Duncan for his wealth and power. Since Macbeth served in the military, a job that involves killing enemies, and murdered King Duncan, it is clear tha...