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Gullibility And Greed Quotes In Macbeth

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In the play's final moments, Macbeth's combination of gullibility and greed drives his downfall. Consumed by his aspiration for power and kingship, he unquestioningly accepts the witches' prophecies, failing to question their motives or consider the potential consequences. Macbeth's gullibility towards the witches' predictions showcases his fixed confidence in their truthfulness. However, when he witnesses the movement of the trees in Birnam Woods, he becomes alarmed, believing that the prophecy is coming true. In a desperate attempt to defend himself, Macbeth exclaims, "And now a wood comes toward Dunsinane. Arm, arm, and out!" (5.5.49-50). Although Dunsinane Castle provided a secure location, Macbeth's greed and fear led him to interpret the prophecies literally, abandoning the castle and rallying his forces for battle. In this critical moment, his gullibility and greed …show more content…

When confronted by Macduff, Macbeth boasts, "which must not yield to one of woman born" (5.8.15-16). This statement reveals Macbeth's mindset, fueled by his belief in his invincibility. He sees himself as so powerful that no one can defeat him, firmly convinced of his victory. It exposes Macbeth's arrogance and misplaced confidence, as he interprets the witches' prophecy to mean that no man can harm him since all men are born from women. This misguided interpretation feeds his overconfidence and contributes to his eventual downfall. Macbeth's unwavering belief in his invulnerability deceives him of the true capabilities of his opponents, leading him to underestimate them and make reckless decisions. The quote can also highlight Macbeth's desperation to cling to power. He desperately clings to the witches' words as a source of reassurance, seeking reassurance that he is impossible to harm. However, this turns out not to be accurate as he ends up defeated by Macduff, as his overconfidence becomes his

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