Murder and the Crown
Macbeth's first murder changes everything. When he kills King Duncan whilst the king sleeps in his castle, Macbeth breaks the most sacred bonds of loyalty and hospitality. He even calls his blood-stained hands "a sorry sight," showing he knows he's done something truly awful.
What's interesting is how Macbeth's relationship with violence evolves after Duncan's death. Rather than continuing to kill with his own hands, he starts hiring murderers to do his dirty work. This could mean he's still ashamed of what he's done, or it might show he's become so callous that his victims don't even deserve his personal attention.
The murders don't stop with Duncan. Macbeth orders the deaths of Banquo, Fleance, Lady Macduff, and her children - anyone who threatens his hold on power. Meanwhile, the guilt from that first murder drives Lady Macbeth to take her own life.
💡 Key insight: Notice how Macbeth goes from reluctant murderer to someone who casually orders multiple deaths - this shows his moral decline throughout the play.
