The more things change the more they stay the same. These days there are countless books and movies that have one person betraying another. In the middle of the seventeenth century, there was also this same fascination with this type of plot. This morbid interest has been present, throughout history, and nearly all societies. In the tragedy Macbeth by William Shakespeare, the idea of usurping the thrown presents itself to Macbeth, but Lady Macbeth proves herself as the catalyst he needed for his later independent treachery.
             The play starts with Macbeth encountering the three witches. In a prophecy that they tell Macbeth, he will become King. The last witch tells him "All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king here after" (I.iii.56-57). Macbeth does not believe them until parts of their prophecy come true. Macbeth has done nothing, yet, to help any of this prophecy come true. He wonders if maybe he can do nothing and still become king. "If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, Without my stir" (I.iii.65-67). Macbeth tells his wife of the prophecy. She then urges him to do whatever it takes to become king. She now becomes infatuated with the idea. Although she did not come up with the ideas she is the one who has taken it most to heart. Lady Macbeth thinks that they should do within their powers to ensure that Macbeth becomes king. In contrast Macbeth thinks that maybe he can just stand back and let everything happen with out doing anything.
             Macbeth with much urging form Lady Macbeth's decided that he will kill the king, and in such a way as to make it possible for him to become king. Macbeth is fearful that he might be caught. Macbeth is so afraid of this that he no longer wants to carry out the awful deed. Lady Macbeth coerces Macbeth into going ahead and carrying it out. As Macbeth makes his way to the kings chambers he sees and apparition. It is a dagger leading him on toward his goal. He doe
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