Nature vs. Nurture in Macbeth One of the most commonly debated issues regarding morality is the concept of nature vs. nurture. What is more integral to a person's behavior: innate qualities or life influences on the individual? Mark Twain, in his essay entitled "What is Man?" describes humanity this way: Man is the machine, man is the impersonal engine. Whatever a man is, it is due to his CONSTRUCTION and the INFLUENCES exerted on him by his heredities, his habitat, his associations. It is moved, directed, COMMANDED, by EXTERNAL influences – SOLELY. (What is man?, Mark Twain, http://underthesun.cc/Classics/Twain/whatman/Whatisman.htm) There is a scientific basis for this statement. Studies have shown that both a person's genetic structure and the circumstances they are subjected to affect how a person thinks, feels, and acts. Considering this, the actions of the character Macbeth must be evaluated based on his personal motivations and the external causes that may have led to them. It is established from the beginning that Macbeth is ambitious. There can be no doubt about this. A certain level of courage also accompanies his ambition. As a noble he is an active character, fighting against the rebel hordes and Norsemen in defense of his king, no doubt with the aim of acquiring notoriety and other rewards. This is further illustrated by his gracious acceptance of credit for his actions. He is a political figure in the highest sense of the word and shows ambition in this way. However, there is no sign that he will alter his demeanor as a loyal noble until outside influences begin to intercede. The people who have the greatest impact on Macbeth are the witches, his wife and Lady, and King Duncan of Scotland. The witches introduce the idea, King Duncan provides personal motivation, and Lady Macbeth helps along the way. The least influential party in all of this is King Duncan. The conflict between these two is purely circumstantial, but quite clear. Macbeth is, as mentioned, an ambitious man. The King represents the highest position of power that Macbeth can hope to achieve. The king is also a father figure, condescending to his subjects and expecting total servitude. When King Duncan thanks Macbeth for his heroic service in battle, Macbeth replies that "Your Highness's part / Is to receive our duties; and our duties / Are to your throne and to your sons and servants" (1.