Who Is Responsible For Macbeth's Downfall

No wildfire burns without ignition, and no misdeed comes about with the perpetrator alone at fault. There are always others who had an impactful effect. This is demonstrated in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, where an extensive cast of characters are developed through their roles in the titular character’s road to condemnation. Macbeth’s quest for power came to fruition through the temptation and support of other characters, demonstrating that without others, he would not have met his downfall.

Among all those who influenced him, Lady Macbeth was the only one to support him from by his side, killing all doubts of her husband that would prevent their success and potentially prevent Macbeth’s downfall. Before Duncan is killed, Macbeth was doubtful

When the goddess, Hecate finds out of the witches’ plot to fool Macbeth, she predicts that “he shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear/ His hopes 'bove wisdom, grace, and fear”, and then reminds both the witches and the reader that “...security/ Is mortals' chiefest enemy” (3.5.30-33). At this point, Duncan has been killed and Macbeth’s downfall has begun, and Hecate advises the witches that Macbeth would become overconfident and feel secure due to the prophecies, believing he cannot fail and is near invincible. This feeling of invincibility is what made Macbeth believe he could do anything he wanted, as it would all lead to the prophecies coming true. Soon, Macbeth continues on his path, killing who he needs to in order to save his seat on the throne, until finally, the rebellion has emerged to overthrow him. Up to this point, the prophecies have stayed true, with Macbeth gladly accepting that “[he]/ Shall live the lease of nature, pay his breath/ To time, and mortal custom” (4.1.108-110), more notably believing himself to be untouchable. He dismisses reports of the oncoming attack, showing his deep trust for “the spirits that know/ All mortal consequences…” who had told him “fear not, Macbeth; no man that’s born of woman Shall e’er have power upon thee”, declaring that “the mind [he

Macbeth has an inherently violent nature, as he is even first presented to the audience as a master of murder at war. He immediately thinks to kill anyone in his path to fast track his way to power. When Malcolm is appointed “the prince of Cumberland”, Macbeth concludes that “that is a step/ On which [he] must fall down, or else o'erleap,/ For in [his] way it lies” (1.4.55-57). Malcolm becoming heir tells Macbeth that he cannot become king by standing idle. The prince proving to be an obstacle brings out Macbeth’s nature. However, as noted, at first, Macbeth feels unsure about killing people who should be his allies, but with each killing, he abandons more and more of his morals. By the end of the book, Macbeth sees no reason not to kill, asking himself “why [he should] play the Roman fool, and die/ On [his] own sword?” For “whiles [he sees] lives, the gashes/ Do better upon them” (5.8.1-3). The man once held to high regards believes he must kill during his last moments in life because he has no reason not to. Each who got in his way influenced his aggression, tempting Macbeth to kill in order to move further and faster. Without his enemies, Macbeth never would have had a reason to forego moral