The Downfall Of Macbeth Research Paper

The Downfall of Macbeth Macbeth's downfall is a very debated subject, with most scholars arguing causes among a variety of reasons such as, his ambition, greed, vanity, weakness in moral fiber, etc. In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the three witches, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, King Duncan, and a host of other characters, play a game of fate to see who will die and who will live. The play starts with the three witches informing Macbeth of a prophecy claiming that he will be king of Scotland. Lady Macbeth, upon hearing of this prophecy, manipulates Macbeth into killing King Duncan to expedite this process. Macbeth then rules like a tyrant, killing innocent people and friends. More people desert him or go against him as he slowly spirals into

Macbeth knew that he was committing crimes, but did it anyway for personal gain. According to Maria Cusimano, “Macbeth indulges in the temptation to continue sinning in an attempt to feel the satisfaction he craves,” (30). Maria summed up his negative qualities as sin and explained that, “Sin, disrupts human relationships, distorts the ability to reason, creates a Hell on earth, and prohibits life, instead resulting in only death,” (31). Macbeth, throughout the play acted selfishly and greedily; He disregarded the lives of others to further his ambitions. In act 2, scene 2, Macbeth demonstrated his selfish ambition by killing King Duncan to become king and gain more power. Another example of Macbeth’s hungry ambition is in act 3, scene 3 when he sent murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance so that his lineage would remain in power. Macbeth ruled his kingdom with oppressive tyranny making foes and adversaries out of friends and allies. His tyrannical rule resulted in a revolution that led to the collapse of his regime and ultimately his

Macbeth’s will was weak as he was easily manipulated by the three witches. According to R. V. Young, “Macbeth is tempted by the three witches, who are undoubtedly agents of the devil; but Shakespeare makes it perfectly clear that the ambitious thane was capable of resistance,” (47). Macbeth was also easily influenced and swayed by his wife, Lady Macbeth, into killing the king. “Wouldst thou have that which thou esteem’st the ornament of life and live a coward in thine own esteem, letting ‘I dare not’ wait upon ‘I would,’ like the poor cat i’ th’ adage?” (Shakespeare 1.7.45-49). As stated previously, sin and murder only create more death and misery. Macbeth not only killed King Duncan, but murdered Banquo as well. His crimes only increased as the story progressed. Macbeth’s vanity weakened his moral fiber and will, which made him susceptible to committing