The Tragedy of Macbeth is a 17th century play, written by William Shakespeare. The play follows the events of Macbeth’s rise to the throne of Scotland and his eventual downfall. Macbeth did not secure the title of king by being the heir to a dying king. He killed for it. Macbeth completely abandoned his morals and murdered the current king for the title. Throughout the play, there is speculation over who is responsible for the death of King Duncan, whether it be Macbeth’s wife, Lady Macbeth, or the Scotsman himself. There is simply too much evidence against Macbeth. Macbeth had become anxious, ruthless, and most of all he had begun to turn evil. Macbeth was very anxious during the time of his reign. He felt he would lose the throne at any time, and because of that he did anything in his power to make sure he kept the crown. His conscience was also beginning to poison his mind. Macbeth says "Which of you…show more content… Lady Macbeth wanted power just as much as Macbeth did, and in the beginning, it looked like she strived for it the most. Lady Macbeth seemed to push Macbeth toward the murder of King Duncan. She had planned the killing and gave Macbeth the orders to kill him. Later in the play, however, it becomes clear that Lady Macbeth is not the culprit of these heinous crimes. Lady Macbeth actually begins to regret the actions she and her partner have done. Lady Macbeth's doctor explains it well "It is an accustom'd action with her, to seem thus / washing her hands. I have known her continue in this a quarter of / an hour." (5.1.30-31) Lady Macbeth has become so nervous and so shaken that she has begun to sleepwalk and wash her hands of "blood." By this point in the play, Macbeth has much more blood on his hands than her, and he has become comfortable with murder. Lady Macbeth was just along for the ride in the beginning and finally in the end, the guilt gets the best of