The decisions that one makes in their lifetime ultimately determines their destiny. Macbeth is a tragedy of how evil utterly consumes and destroys a once decent man. Evil does not overcome one on its own, it is a series of choices. Macbeth is responsible for his own demise because he displays moral flaws of selfishness and arrogance.
When Macbeth first is introduced to the witches and hears of their prophecies, he becomes willing to do anything in order to rise in ranking, even if that involves hurting others. As soon as Macbeth realizes that he may have the chance to become king, he states “my thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, shakes so my single state of man” (Shakespeare I.3.139-140). Macbeth craves power so deeply that he begins to have thoughts of murdering Duncan. In this moment, Macbeth only cares for himself and his own status. After finding out that Duncan’s son, Malcolm, is to be Prince of Cumberland, Macbeth says “that is a step on which I must fall down or else o’erleap, for in my way it lies” (I.4.48-50). He believes that he either needs to give up or step over Malcolm in order to become king. Macbeth wants anyone who stands in his way to be eliminated. His murderous thoughts turn into terrible
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He believes that “to be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus” (III.1.47-48). There is no point in being king unless he can assure that his position as king is safe. He is willing to have his own best friend murdered, simply to stay in power. Also, Macbeth does not have a son to succeed the throne and comes to a realization that “for Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind; for them the gracious Duncan have I murdered” (III.1.64-65). He is in too deep to have his poisoned mind and murderous act be for the benefit of Banquo’s descendants. Macbeth takes charge and does not have any second thoughts about killing Banquo, he has been completely overcome with