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Lady Macbeth's Downfall

1221 Words5 Pages

After winning a difficult battle against the traitors of Scotland, Macbeth and Banquo became highly respected by the people of the country. During the trek back from the battle, they are stopped by the witches who foretold two prophecies to Macbeth, stating that he will be crowned thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland (As for Banquo, they stated he would father kings but would never be king himself). After becoming thane of Cawdor, Macbeth wrote to his wife explaining the prophecies and its untimely coincidence. Soon after, Lady Macbeth devised a plan to kill the current king and convinced Macbeth to commit the heinous act. Once the plan was executed, Macbeth became King, beginning his downfall. As his quest for power is demonstrated throughout …show more content…

This was represented in the play when Macbeth sent a letter to Lady Macbeth about the conversation with the witches as well as the prophecies and how one of them came true. Macbeth sending the letter to Lady Macbeth as quickly as he did indicated that he told his wife everything that went on and that there was no secrets between them as she states, “They meet me in…Lay it to thy heart, and farewell.” (I.v.1–12) Though, with Macbeth becoming king, his relationship with Lady Macbeth began to go downhill. This was first shown after Macbeth sentenced Banquo and Fleance to death and successfully killed Banquo, all without informing Lady Macbeth. Macbeth had a chance of telling his wife the plan, but instead said, “Let your remembrance apply to Banquo; Present him eminence, both with eye and tongue.” (III ii.30–31) As the play comes to an end and Macbeth prepares for the final battle between him and the rebels, Macbeth is depicted to be the most powerful at this moment in the due to him feeling invincible because of the three apparitions that the witches showed him. This was also the lowest point of Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s relationship since she resulted in killing herself due to the guilt being too much for her. After committing suicide, Macbeth is then informed of the problem and in turn, shows a very dull and …show more content…

From the murder of Duncan (to achieve the role of King), the ordered execution of his close friend Banquo (to dismiss his fear), and even the loss of his wife, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth’s violent behaviour was destructive to his relationships, resulting in the death of his loved ones, as well as

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