Throughout the play, Macbeth has truly damned himself by thoughts and actions and developed into the most hated of tyrants. Lady Macbeth and the witches continually influence Macbeth in a negative manner; additionally, Banquo has inversely affected Macbeth's deliberations. Regardless of any outside influence, Macbeth is intent upon retaining the crown through murder, certain that, "this blow might be the be-all and the end-all".
The witch's prophecy provided Macbeth with an image of success, which induce his future acts. With the foretelling, "All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter." Macbeth's perverted ambitions began to drive him. The possibility of obtaining the crown becomes the necessary motivation for him to act upon his aspirations. However, Macbeth expresses his indifference to the witches saying, "If chance will have me king, why chance may crown me without my stir." Macbeth has decided to let fate take its course; although it is apparent through his future deeds that this is only a visage he is letting off. While the witches have planted a design in Macbeth's head, he ultimately carries out his intentions.
Lady Macbeth's influence over Macbeth's choices was much greater than that of the witches. "That babe that milks me dash"d the brains out." Taunts Lady Macbeth towards her husband's reluctance to murder Duncan. Lady Macbeth does indeed place a large amount of pressure on her husband's week shoulders, questioning his masculinity and love. However, Macbeth ends the scene standing proud, declaring, "I am settled and bed-up each corporal agent to this terrible feat." Macbeth independently made-up his mind to how he intends to act.
Throughout Macbeth's struggle with greed, he refuses to heed to Banquo's counsel, he neglects the wisdom and comfort Banquo offers as his arrogance obstructs his ability to think. Banquo's warning is clear and direct, "So I lose none in seeking to augment it, but still keep my bosom franchis"d and allegiance clear, I call be cousell"d".
