Neither Shakespeare nor directors of film versions of Macbeth hint at whether or not Macbeth was tempted to kill King Duncan prior to the events of the play. But they all agree that he was tempted by the witches, Lady Macbeth, and himself.
Macbeth should have recognized that the witches were no to be trusted or associated with as Banquo did. …show more content…
He resists her temptations twice in 1.7. “He’s here in double trust: first as I am his kinsman and his subject…as his host, who should against his murder shut the door, not bear the knife myself.” (Macbeth 1.7.12-16) Macbeth recognizes that he is morally obligated to protect the King at all cost, when he fights his wife’s temptation the first time. The second time he resists her is when he states, “We will procced no further in this business. (Duncan) has honored me of late.” (Macbeth 1.7.33-34)
Although it could be argued that Macbeth had succumbed to temptation by the end of the first act, Macbeth doesn’t follow through with it until the second act when he is tempted by himself. Perhaps Macbeth feels that for all he has done for his king, the king has given him little attention. He had gain the title of Thane for both Glamis and Cawdor, so King Duncan must have finally gained notice of him and must have been ready to promote his servant to a higher social