The Causes of Macbeth's Downfall

The causes of Macbeth's downfall

In Shakespeare's play, Macbeth demonstrates what can happen when people do not follow their conscience. Macbeth begins the play as a brave character who is greatly admired and fought for his king but his striving for power affects every aspect of his life and eventually leads to his demise. Macbeth's wife, the three witches, and Macbeth's own ambition all play a role in his down-fall.

Before Macbeth even appears, he is described as soldier who fought like a "valour's minion" and as "brave","noble" and "worthy" because he has ultimately defeated the Norwegian king. This bravery appears to diminish once the influences of the witches, Lady Macbeth and his own ambitions came into place. However his bravery as a soldier reappears as he faces Macduff in the final battle "at least we'll die with harness on our back".

The influence the witches have on Macbeth when they first meet is immediately obvious to Banquo:"why do you seem to fear things that do sound so fair?",Macbeth "seems rapt with all". Macbeth begins to think of the possibilty about the prohecy the witches have given. Once the second prophecy has come true, he starts to think "the greatest is behind". His own ambition immediately comes into play as his mind begins to conjure a "horrid image" and "horrible imaginings". He hears that Duncan has name his son Malcolm as the Prince of Cumberland Macbeth's amibition completely dominates his thinking. He says to himself: "that is a step" which lies in his way" his ambition falls prey to "balck and deep desires". He write to his wife calling her "my dearest partner of greatness" rather then his dearest wife.

Lady Macbeth's influence further encourges Macbeth's own ambition, she

Manipulated

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