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Who Is Responsible For Macbeth's Downfall

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Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, is a riveting play about a power-hungry ruler destined to fail. There are three internal and external factors that predominantly contribute to Macbeth’s downfall. These factors include the witches misleading Macbeth with the idea of gaining power, Lady Macbeth influencing Macbeth to increase his status, and Macbeth’s ambition. Nonetheless, the witches are one external force contributing to Macbeth’s demise by misleading him with promises of power. The ruthless witches place the idea of becoming a king in his head when they tell him the three prophecies. This is evident when Macbeth and Banquo are walking on the heath together, and the witches chant, “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” (I, iii, …show more content…

The reason she uses his masculinity against him is so Macbeth proves he is a man by doing what she wants. This horrifying tactic works, and as a result, Macbeth slaughters Duncan, and Lady Macbeth proves to be successful. This indicates how manipulative Lady Macbeth is and how extensive of a role she has in Macbeth’s defeat. Without a doubt, Macbeth's strong ambition is a key internal factor contributing to his downfall. Macbeth’s hunger for more power than he can bear primarily leads him to defeat. After the apparitions notify him about his great future, he is optimistic but still wants to know if Banquo’s descendants will ever be rulers. When the witches suggest not to try to find out more, he cries, “I will be satisfied. Deny me this, and an eternal curse fall on you! Let me know.” (IV, i, 109) The example highlights Macbeth's prominent ambition because instead of being happy with what he receives, he thirsts for more knowledge and power. This reveals how his eagerness for more than he has led to his failure; he will never be satisfied with what he has. Additionally, Macbeth’s character flaws, such as overconfidence and pride, mask the reality of his situation. For instance, when Lennox brings a message to Macbeth saying Macduff fled to England. Macbeth is full of rage and

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