Who killed the guards in Macbeth? This question has intrigued audiences and scholars alike since the play’s first performance in the early 17th century. William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a tragedy that delves into the depths of ambition, guilt, and moral decay. The murder of the guards is a pivotal moment in the narrative, as it marks the culmination of Macbeth’s descent into madness and tyranny. In this article, we will explore the various theories and interpretations surrounding the identity of the guards’ killer.
The play does not explicitly reveal the culprit behind the guards’ deaths. However, there are several clues and hints that can lead us to form educated guesses. One of the most compelling theories suggests that Macbeth himself is responsible for the crime. This theory is supported by the fact that Macbeth is the one who orders the murder of the guards, as he believes that their testimony could incriminate him in the murder of King Duncan. The famous line, “If he do bleed, I’ll gild the faces of the grooms withal,” implies that Macbeth is prepared to take drastic measures to ensure his innocence.
Another theory posits that Lady Macbeth, Macbeth’s wife, could be the mastermind behind the guards’ murder. As the play progresses, it becomes increasingly evident that Lady Macbeth is just as, if not more, ambitious and ruthless than her husband. Her manipulation and psychological pressure on Macbeth could have driven her to order the guards’ deaths to ensure her husband’s continued reign as king.
Some scholars argue that the responsibility for the guards’ murder lies with the murderers themselves. In the play, the murderers are described as “rude mechanicals,” suggesting that they are lowly and uneducated individuals. This theory suggests that the murderers, driven by greed or fear, could have killed the guards without Macbeth’s direct involvement.
A final theory proposes that the guilt of the guards’ murder is collective, with various characters in the play contributing to the crime. This interpretation suggests that the murder of the guards is a reflection of the corrupt and morally bankrupt nature of the entire Scottish court. In this view, the guilt is not solely attributed to Macbeth or Lady Macbeth but rather to the entire ensemble of characters who are driven by ambition, greed, and a desire for power.
In conclusion, the question of who killed the guards in Macbeth remains a subject of debate and interpretation. While there is no definitive answer, the various theories and interpretations contribute to the richness and complexity of Shakespeare’s masterpiece. Whether it was Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, the murderers, or a combination of all, the murder of the guards is a crucial moment that underscores the themes of ambition, guilt, and moral decay that permeate the play.
