Unsolved mysteries abound everywhere. Since the beginning of time, there have been unexplainable, unsolvable events occurring daily all over the world. Because of the fascinating nature of mysteries and the overwhelming curiosity of humans, many writers, playwrights, and film directors incorporate mysteries into their works to create interest and suspense. The extreme popularity of television shows such as Unsolved Mysteries and Miracles and Other Wonders demonstrates that humans have the desire to be problem-solvers. William Shakespeare was well aware of the built-in curiosity that humans have, and he took advantage of that fact in writing his tragic play, Macbeth.
             In act three, scene three of Macbeth, there are two murderers who Macbeth has persuaded to kill Banquo and his son Fleance. The murderers are waiting for their victims to pass by on their way back to the castle. While they are awaiting the arrival of Banquo and Fleance, a third murderer enters the scene and tells the other two that Macbeth sent him. There is nothing in the text itself that blatantly reveals the identity of the mysterious third murderer, but from some textual clues and simple logic, it is clear that the third murderer must be Macbeth himself.
             First of all, Macbeth was very anxious to ensure of Banquo's death because of the witches prophecy that Banquo's line would inherit the throne. The third witch says to Banquo, "Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none" (1.3.67). Macbeth remembers this prophecy after he is king, and he thinks that if Banquo and his son are dead, there will be no future problems for him. If Macbeth's plan is successful, Banquo would not be able to expose Macbeth's terrible deed of murdering Duncan, and Fleance would never become king. It is obvious that Macbeth is desperate to control the situation that he has tragically placed himself in. Therefore, he wants to make sure that the job is done right. Banquo's skill as a fig...