Macbeth is most definitely a flawed character however while his major flaw is most commonly thought to be his ambition, it is actually his excessive fear that leads to his overall downfall. Macbeth seeks power and his motivation comes from his fear. Fear of the prophecies being false, fear of Banquo, fear of having blood on his hands, fear of the truth being found out, fear of losing the crown. It is Macbeth’s fear that results in him acting the way he does throughout the play and it is what causes him to be the flawed character that he is.
The witches’ prophecies are a major source of Macbeth’s fear. Nearly all of his actions were done out of fear that the prophecies could not be prevented and that he would lose his chance of the thrown. He became paranoid and impatient which prompted his sudden ambition and outburst of action. His fear becomes evident in Act 3, scene 1 when he tells us that his guardian angel is frightened as Mark Antony’s angel was of Octavius Caesar. Macbeth says, “My genius is rebuked as it is said Mark Antony’s was by Caesar.” The allusion and simile when Macbeth references Shakespeare’s play “Antony and Cleopatra” expresses Macbeth’s fear. After hearing the prophecies, Macbeths worries that Banquo’s children will take the throne.
…show more content…
He becomes so overcome with fear that he values the throne over his best friend’s life. In Act 3 Scene 1 Macbeth states that while Banquo lives, he is sick and he will only be healthy when he is dead. He