Too Much Ambition Is Responsible For Macbeth's Downfall

When looking at Macbeth, there are many other characters who may appear to have aided in his downfall. Throughout the play, Macbeth is influenced and encouraged by many others. In every tragedy, the protagonist is culpable for their own death due to their own actions. Through all of Macbeth’s journey to becoming king, he continues to fight, crying “Before my body, I throw my warlike shield” (5.9.32-33) even right before being slaughtered. In Macbeth, Shakespeare is able to perfectly portray the universal nature in which one’s downfall can be caused by holding too much ambition. Macbeth is ultimately responsible for his own downfall because of his ambition, and guilt. Throughout all of Macbeth, the protagonist predominantly showcases too much ambition which ultimately leads to his demise. When the Thane of Glamis first hears of the weïrd sisters’ predictions, he is intrigued. He demands the witches “Stay you imperfect speakers. Tell me more” (1.3.68). The predictions cause Macbeth’s ego to inflate. How is it possible for the Thane of Cawdor to become king when he is not next to the heir. Once receiving the present prediction of Thane of Cawdor, he contemplates “As happy prologues to the swelling act of imperial theme” (1.3.128-129). Newly Thane of Cawdor, he becomes overconfident and certain that the prophecies will be fulfilled. Macbeth believes these prophecies only because he likes what they are saying and believes it is his fate. Whereas, if the witches would have said something negative, Macbeth would have certainly dissented or disregarded the predictions.

Throughout Macbeth, the major theme is that too much ambition will ultimately lead to one's’ downfall, unfortunately this was the case for Macbeth. Many would agree that ambition is an excellent quality that many people strive to achieve, but when taken to extremes, it can lead to one’s