In William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, Macbeth learning of his fate is most responsible for his downfall. After learning of the prophecies, Macbeth begins to destroy his reputation and relationships to get what he wants. His misunderstandings of the prophecies lead him astray, and he becomes his own worst enemy. He grows insecure about his position of power and tries to dictate his fate. Macbeth’s tragic downfall is primarily a result of his acquired knowledge of his fate, his own misinterpretation, and the fueling of his ambition and paranoia: all of this ultimately leading to his destruction.
Macbeth’s tragic downfall began with the acquisition of knowledge about his fate. At the start of Macbeth, three witches appear to Macbeth and Banquo
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Soon after, the prophecy that he will be Thane of Cawdor comes true, as he inherits the title when the previous Thane of Cawdor is executed. Because this prophecy came true, Macbeth now believes that the prophecy that he will be king will also be fulfilled. Macbeth begins to be driven by his desire for power. However, King Duncan announces that he will give his son, Malcolm, his kingdom and the title prince of Cumberland. This angers Macbeth and he decides “...That is a step On which I must fall down, or else o'erleap, For in my way it lies…” (Shakespeare I.iv.50-52). Macbeth determines the only way for him to become king and fulfill the witches prophecy is for him to kill King Duncan. Murdering King Duncan sets off a chain of events that eventually lead to Macbeth’s destruction. The murder of King Duncan makes Macbeth king; however, he goes on to commit many more murders of anyone who threatens his position of power. This results in Macbeth losing the support of the people around him and he is defeated. Macbeth’s knowledge of his fate begins a downward spiral of murder and the destruction of …show more content…
After murdering King Duncan and becoming king, he becomes obsessed with retaining his power. Macbeth declares that “To be thus is nothing, But to be safely thus” (Shakespeare III.i.52-53). Macbeth’s growing fear of losing his throne makes him increasingly ruthless, and his trust in the prophecies makes him feel invincible. This pushes him to be even more reckless and destructive. Macbeth