Hmm the Third Murderer
After the assassination of King Duncan is carried out by both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in order to drive the prophecy into becoming a reality, Macbeth then realizes that he must stop the other parts of the prophecy from coming true in order for him to remain king. Within the prophecy, it is said that Banquo's lineage shall rule, but there is no mention of any of Macbeth's offspring ruling. Macbeth takes fate into his own hands once again, and decides that both Banquo and his son shall be murdered. He gathers two murderers to commit the deed. When it comes time for the deed to be executed, there is a third murderer present. Where did this guy come from?
The first two murderers don't even know who the third murderer was, so it couldn't have been a buddy they just brought along. The third murderer was also familiar with the path that Banquo took and knew what was supposed to occur that night. So either the third murderer hired by Macbeth as an extra precaution, or...it was Macbeth himself. Macbeth did show up late to the banquet after all. Another thing that I found confusing is that there were 3 murderers, yet only one person actually ended up being murdered. How Fleance get away? These murderers need to do better.
The first two murderers don't even know who the third murderer was, so it couldn't have been a buddy they just brought along. The third murderer was also familiar with the path that Banquo took and knew what was supposed to occur that night. So either the third murderer hired by Macbeth as an extra precaution, or...it was Macbeth himself. Macbeth did show up late to the banquet after all. Another thing that I found confusing is that there were 3 murderers, yet only one person actually ended up being murdered. How Fleance get away? These murderers need to do better.
I love this theory that Macbeth was the third murderer. It makes sense with his character, as he personally killed King Duncan and probably wants to assure that he is dead. I think it would also make sense as to why Fleance would get away. If Macbeth is the third murderer, he would care more that Banquo died, and since they were on horses which can escape at high speeds, it makes sense that he focused on Banquo. This would also layer his hallucination with his ghost later on.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Ari that Macbeth is one of the more likely candidates for the mystery third murderer. I wonder if it has anything to do with stage directions and the people necessary to execute the scene (people needed to drag Banquo?). Although, considering Macbeth also knows Banquo's part of the prophecy, would he try harder to kill Fleance (prophecy armor) or ignore him because of the prophecy?
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