A formidable physical appearance never equates to success. Without a solid personality, an individual is bound to fail. William Shakespeare's play Macbeth delves into the flaws of the protagonist. In 11th-century Scotland, Macbeth, a war hero, encounters three witches. They speak of a prophecy in which Macbeth is king. The idea plagues his mind. He murders the ruler and takes over. However, such a revelation comes with a dark side. It states that his friend, Banquo’s child, will take the throne. The once honorable hero commits heinous acts and overlooks his conduct. This leads him to his doom. His behaviour shows that he is weak. This paper examines how self-justification of one’s wrongdoings leads to self-destruction.
Over-ambition blinds a person to their own actions. It drains them. Macbeth begins as a brave warrior. Encountering the three witches ignites a fire of zeal within him. It covers him from the moral fabric that holds up society. He rationalizes the murder of King Duncan, stating, "I am settled, and bend up / Each corporal agent to this terrible feat" (1.7.79-80). Macbeth blames fate for the atrocious actions he commits. He attempts to kill Banquo’s bloodline and spreads
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This weakness causes him to commit more crimes to secure his throne. Yet, evasiveness is a tragic paradox. It leads him to the fate he seeks to change. The witches' say, “None of woman born / Shall harm Macbeth." (4.1.96-97) He takes this sentence as a reassurance. He believes he is invincible and doing the right things. The positive message solidifies the idea that continuing to evade accountability is correct. He believes he is destined for this. However, it is revealed that Macduff was, "From his mother's womb / Untimely ripped." (5.8.15-16) This shatters Macbeth's illusion of invulnerability and seals his fate. It is the consequence of all of his wrongdoings. His attempts to avoid responsibility ultimately lead to his own