Who Was Responsible For Macbeth's Crimes

What does it mean to be a conspirator? Is it someone who is involved in the harmful or illegal activity, or is it one who plots the crime? In the tragedy Macbeth, written by Shakespeare, Macbeth, driven by greed and ambition, carries his wife along with him through his mischievous acts to expedite being crowned king. However, Lady Macbeth is not to be held accountable for the crimes committed because of her mental instability and lack of involvement. Lady Macbeth can not be held accountable for the murders because of her depression and mental illness. After the killing spree, Lady Macbeth felt guilty for persuading her husband into the first crime and she begins to feel isolated and paranoid. In her sleep, Lady incriminates herself by muttering
Lady Macbeth only wanted Macbeth to gain the crown quickly by killing Duncan. Lady never expected Macbeth to lose his mind and kill multiple people who threatened his position. Macbeth states, “Then live, Macduff: what need i fear of thee?/ but yet i'll make assurance double sure,/ and take a bond of fate” (IV.i.82-84). Killing Macduff would only give Macbeth relief so he will do it just to be sure Macduff wouldn't be able to get a hold of his position. Lady Macbeth was satisfied when Macbeth was crowned king, thus not understanding the need to kill one who threatens his position. Also, when Macbeth was telling Lady how he still wants to kill Banquo and his son, she asks what he is going to do and Macbeth calmly says “Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck,/ till thou applaud the deed” (III.ii.45-46). Macbeth didn't want to inform Lady of his plan to kill Banquo and his son Fleance because he knows Lady wouldn't approve. This shows that Macbeth was only focused on keeping his position and doing anything to stay in his spot, while Lady was uninvolved in the actions and uninformed with the
Lady Macbeth have influenced Macbeth when she said “That I may pour my spirits in thine ear…” (I.v.26-29). Lady knows how her husband is unsure about what he wants to do with the king so she make up his mind for him. Lady Macbeth plans the murder and makes Macbeth feel like he doesn't have a choice. Although these arguments portray Lady Macbeth as a conspirator, she is not a murder. Lady Macbeth did not commit the murder with her own hands. Macbeth has his own conscience and is capable of making his own decisions. He knows the difference between right and wrong and he knows consequences come with his