Witch-slapped
People who are not "evil" take the first step into evil because of the situations they are in and the people who influence them. In Macbeth's case, he had a chance to become King of Cawdor by killing Duncan. While Macbeth did want to be king, he didn't know he wanted to be king until the witches put the idea in his head. Then, once Lady Macbeth heard the prophecy, she wanted him to be king as well. Although, she selfishly wanted this so that she could have power, so she influenced Macbeth to carry out a plan to kill Duncan.
What is involved in taking that first step "down the primrose path to the everlasting bonfire", is the influence of the people whom you turn to for guidance. For example, Macbeth had the witches convincing him that killing Duncan would allow him to be king, and Lady Macbeth, his wife, wanted power as well so she supported this plan. Therefore, Macbeth was persuaded to turn into an evil-doer. After he took this "first step", he had to commit other evil acts such as killing Banquo and his son. Macbeth was spiraling out of control and would not stop until he knew the crown was secure with him.
As we see through the development of Macbeth's character, since he committed an evil act, he had to deal with an internal consequence of guilt. In Act II Scene II, Macbeth says, "I am afraid to think what I have done." This quote shows us that Macbeth cannot bare to think about the awful thing has done which is kill Duncan. He feels guilty and regretful. Another consequence of Macbeth committing evil acts, especially those that went against the prophecy, put him on bad terms with the witches. In Act IV Scene I, the First Witch says, "That this great king may kindly say our duties did his welcome pay." I interpreted this to be sarcasm from the witches because they said this right after showing Macbeth, Banquo in the mirror. He clearly did not want to see that and is very troubled by it. This shows how the witches are not on his side and do not have his best interest.
What is involved in taking that first step "down the primrose path to the everlasting bonfire", is the influence of the people whom you turn to for guidance. For example, Macbeth had the witches convincing him that killing Duncan would allow him to be king, and Lady Macbeth, his wife, wanted power as well so she supported this plan. Therefore, Macbeth was persuaded to turn into an evil-doer. After he took this "first step", he had to commit other evil acts such as killing Banquo and his son. Macbeth was spiraling out of control and would not stop until he knew the crown was secure with him.
As we see through the development of Macbeth's character, since he committed an evil act, he had to deal with an internal consequence of guilt. In Act II Scene II, Macbeth says, "I am afraid to think what I have done." This quote shows us that Macbeth cannot bare to think about the awful thing has done which is kill Duncan. He feels guilty and regretful. Another consequence of Macbeth committing evil acts, especially those that went against the prophecy, put him on bad terms with the witches. In Act IV Scene I, the First Witch says, "That this great king may kindly say our duties did his welcome pay." I interpreted this to be sarcasm from the witches because they said this right after showing Macbeth, Banquo in the mirror. He clearly did not want to see that and is very troubled by it. This shows how the witches are not on his side and do not have his best interest.
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