What Led To Macbeth's Downfall

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Macbeth is a popular tragedy written by William Shakespeare that portrays how thirst for power can lead a person to their downfall. Set in Scotland, Macbeth who is a General in the army, is given a prophecy in which he is seen to become the next King of Scotland. Led by his ambition and further backed up by his wife, he goes on to kill the former king. Deeply consumed by this desire, he continues to commit more crimes in order to remain in power. This ambition is Macbeth’s tragic flaw which eventually leads him to his downfall. As Macbeth falls from these great heights, he accepts full responsibility of his actions and accepts his fate. Macbeth is a tragic hero and not a game piece in the witches plan as he has the attributes that make him …show more content…

Shakespeare was known well for the plays he wrote about tragic heroes. In these plays, the tragic hero “must possess a character trait or quality which under normal circumstances would be a virtue, but under the special circumstances of the play proves to be a fatal flaw” (St. Rosemary Educational Institution). This is well seen throughout the play Macbeth as he is very aspiring. After killing King Duncan, his pushes himself to kill Banquo to remain king. Feeling threatened by Banquo’s character, he feels that “there is none but he whose being I do fear; and under him my genius is rebuked….no son of mine succeeding. If’t be so, for Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind; for them the gracious Duncan have I murdered” (III: I: 52-70). He decides to eliminate Banquo as he is the only one at the time who knows about Macbeth’s prophecies along with Lady Macbeth. Macbeth receives prophecies from the three evil sisters who purposely misguide him, however the decisions he make upon receiving them are fully his own. “That will never be: who can impress the forest, bid the tree unfix his earth-bound root?....Rebellion’s head rise never, till the wood of Birnam rise, and our high-placed Macbeth shall live the lease of nature, pay his breath to time, and moral custom.” (IV: I: 104-110). After the revealing of the three apparitions, Macbeth feels as if he has everything he aspires. As Macbeth continues to do misdeeds, he …show more content…

Shakespeare made his character very carefully, making sure he has the right mix that will make him legible for such a title. He made ambition, normally seen as a remarkable characteristic, Macbeth’s tragic flaw that ultimately leads him to his downfall. While falling from his high place, he knows it is he who is responsible. A tragic hero is always seen as a great person, however it is their actions that make them do wrong and bring them

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