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External Flaws In Macbeth

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In the play, Macbeth, William Shakespeare uses the theme of the corrupting power of ambition, Macbeth’s character flaws, and the theme of cruelty versus masculinity to show Macbeth’s misdeeds were a direct result of external influences. Throughout the play, Macbeth commits several wrongdoings including, killing King Duncan, his friend Banquo and manipulating others into carrying out his wishes. By appealing to Macbeth’s strong desires to become king, the witches’ prophecies leads Macbeth to commit several murders. Through fueling Macbeth’s inner insecurities, Malcolm prompts Macbeth to irrationally continue wrongdoings. Similarly, Lady Macbeth’s manipulative persona, encourages Macbeth to commit wicked actions. The evil actions of Macbeth throughout the play are a result of external …show more content…

First, Lady Macbeth compares Macbeth to an old adage, in which, a cat wants a fish but is afraid to get it’s paws wet. As a result, Lady Macbeth uses Macbeth’s prideful nature and ambition to be king against him, telling him it is more pathetic to not follow your dreams and live like a coward. Thus, convincing Macbeth that murdering Duncan is more noble, than not. In addition, by relating masculinity with cruelty, Lady Macbeth challenges the manhood of her husband by mocking his inability to ruthlessly kill another man, making Macbeth feel insecure and worthless. Furthermore, Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth saying that she would kill her own baby while breastfeeding, if she had promised him she would. This leads him to believe that being reliable and trustworthy is more important than being a good person. Lady Macbeth's manipulation is the primary reason, Macbeth is able to carry out his plan to murder Duncan. Lady Macbeth continues to negatively influence Macbeth by modeling how to manipulate others. Later in the play, when the murderers are hesitant to kill Banquo and Fleance, Macbeth reassures them

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While Lady Macbeth persuades him into killing King Duncan, Macbeth proceeds to murder his dear friend Banquo, and Macduff’s family without tell Lady Macbeth. Macbeth uses his power to manipulate other characters within the play. Furthermore, Macbeth is very secretive while committing these murders. The power of kinsman, and the prophecies reveal the worst of Macbeth.

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Macbeth needs to follow through with this plan because Fleance and Banquo could get in the way of Macbeth becoming King. The three witches had also foretold Banquo’s descendants to become king. Macbeth sends men to follow through with this plan. They succeed to kill Banquo, but Fleance escapes. After being responsible for the deaths of two people, Duncan and Banquo, Macbeth is in a state where he feels the need to keep murdering people that could possibly get in his way of becoming king.

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His capricious and malicious acts prove how naive and vile he is as a person. Macbeth even attempts to kill Banquo to prevent any trace of his nature from making him, a “fruitless crown.” Macbeth states, “Must lave or honors in the flattering streams, and make our face vizards to our heart, disguising who we are,”(3.2.45). With such desperation, Macbeth is willing to include other people in his premeditated murder. By having Lady Macbeth be part of his plot to kill Banquo, Macbeth reveals two things about himself: That he does not value those around him, even if they are his loved ones, and that he places his personal success over all aspects of his life.

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