Why does macbeth have assassins attempt to take the lives of banquo and fleance?

In William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," Macbeth orders the assassination of Banquo and his son Fleance for a combination of personal and political reasons. Here are some key factors contributing to Macbeth's decision:

Ambition and Paranoia:

• Macbeth, driven by his unchecked ambition, is haunted by the witches' prophecies. The witches predict that Banquo's descendants will inherit the throne, which poses a threat to Macbeth's own newly acquired kingship.
• Macbeth becomes increasingly paranoid about anyone who might challenge his position, and he sees Banquo as a potential obstacle to his throne.

Prophecies of the Witches:

• The witches' prophecies play a crucial role in Macbeth's actions. While they prophesied that Macbeth would become king, they also predicted that Banquo's descendants would inherit the throne. This fuels Macbeth's fear and desire to eliminate any potential rivals.

Insecurity and Desire for Power:

• Macbeth's insecurity and his insatiable desire for power drive him to take extreme measures to secure his position as king. Killing Banquo and Fleance is a way for Macbeth to eliminate perceived threats to his rule.

Lady Macbeth's Influence:

• Lady Macbeth, initially the driving force behind Macbeth's ambition, plays a role in convincing him to take drastic actions to secure their power. She questions Macbeth's masculinity and challenges him to act boldly in the face of perceived threats.

Macbeth's Descent into Tyranny:

• As the play progresses, Macbeth becomes increasingly ruthless and tyrannical. His willingness to commit murder, even against former allies, highlights the destructive nature of his ambition and the consequences of his unchecked pursuit of power.

In summary, Macbeth orders the assassination of Banquo and Fleance out of a combination of fear, ambition, and a desire to eliminate potential threats to his throne.