Macbeth's Flaws

Macbeth, a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, follows a man named Macbeth and his “tragic flaw”. In Macbeth, Macbeth’s future is prophesied by witches. Desiring to obtain this power he was promised, Macbeth becomes a serial killer. Macbeth was a capable killer, even before he murdered innocent people. His abilities are shown in Act 1 when he brutally slaughters Macdonwald in battle. Macbeth’s personality characteristics led to his doom. For example, Macbeth is much too ambitious and ruthless. Both of these characteristics are shown when he embarks on murderous rampages. Macbeth was not always cruel, yet as this play progresses, some of his tragic traits turned him into a malevolent murderer. Although a murderer, on many occasions

He understood the consequences of his actions, but out of determination did them anyway. Macbeth even stated “But here, upon this bank and shoal of time, We’d jump the life to come.” (Shakespeare 14). This quote shows that Macbeth knows he is jeopardizing his soul’s damnation by murdering Duncan, but takes the risk regardless. Another quote that shows Macbeth’s motivation says, “I have no spurs to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself and falls on th’ other” (Shakespeare 34). This line shows desire is what is driving him to risk everything and commit vile acts. In later scenes, Macbeth has once again met with the witches and asks them a question they refuse to answer. Full of motivation for answers, he retaliates saying, “I will be satisfied. Deny me this, and an eternal curse fall on you! Let me know” (Shakespeare 47). Instead of trusting the witches’ word, he is blinded by ambition. Macbeth goes as far as to call an eternal curse on people who call curses on others! In the end of this play, Macbeth has reached his fate and is facing off against Macduff. In Act 5 Macbeth says, “Even though Birnam Wood really did come to Dunsinane, and I’m fighting a man not of woman born, I’ll fight to the end. I’ll put up my shield and battle you” (Shakespeare 71). In this quote, Macbeth admits Macduff is his inevitable doom, but will battle against him regardless. Macbeth is so full

His guilt is shown when he has committed his first act of murder, and is filled with anguish. He has “murdered sleep” (Shakespeare 20) and refuses to say the word Amen. In Act 2, Macbeth says, “Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No, this hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green one red” (Shakespeare 21). This quote shows that in Macbeth’s mind there will always be blood on his hands. Regret and anguish will never leave him. Oceans will not even be able to clean the blood from his hand. Although Macbeth has murdered the king and been bombarded my grief, he realizes this murder was pointless. “For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind; for them the gracious Duncan I murdered; put rancors in the vessel of my peace” (Shakespeare 30). This quote shows how he is now feeling more remorse because he has made it easier for Banquo’s descendants to become king. Macbeth has opened a doorway for Banquo’s line of future kings. As Macbeth continues to embed himself in his tragic flaws, he is certain he must murder Banquo and Fleance. Once Macbeth has murdered Banquo, and failed to murder Fleance, he understands he would rather be dead than have to live with the guilt he is currently feeling. “Better be with the dead, whom we, to gain our peace, have sent to peace, than on the torture of the mind lie in restless ectasy” (Shakespeare 33). This quote shows how Macbeth