Who Is Responsible For Macbeth's Downfall

Macbeth is not the only one who created his tragic downfall, the first outside source sparking this downfall are the 3 witches. The witches are aware of how much power they can hold over Macbeth as long as they can get in his head at first. With someone as ambitious as Macbeth, it is easy to get into his head when you have something he wants. Because of this, they know exactly what he wants, and acknowledge that Macbeth does not think very deeply about the fact that he could be misled by the witches, his focus remains on his desires. When Macbeth receives the first prophecy from the witches, it was unexpected but something that would later be desired by Macbeth. “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter” (I.II.53) Although Macbeth initially

The witches' influence over Macbeth is further shown when they give him additional illusions, which he becomes obsessed with fulfilling and believing. The way the witches provide Macbeth’s prophecies are in such ways that they do seem in interest of Macbeth. They encourage him to believe them, while knowing that these prophecies can very easily be miscommunicated. While he receives the second apparition, it tells Macbeth to be bold and that he would be left unharmed. “Be bloody, bold and resolute. Laugh to scorn/The power of man, for none of woman born/Shall harm Macbeth” (IV.I.90-93) Macbeth is encouraged by the witches to continue his acts, he believes they think of him just as highly as he thinks of himself. Because his thoughts are self-centered, Macbeth is oblivious to the fact that at the end of the day, these are witches, they do not want to see Macbeth purely succeed, while their existence relies on manipulation. They may not ask Macbeth directly for anything in return, but to the witches, their reward is successfully ruining the once great