Who Was The Most Responsible For Macbeth's Downfall

Austin Blankenship

Baker

Identity and Ethnic Lit

8 March 2023

The true demise of Macbeth William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth is a tragedy that tells the story of a Scottish general who receives a prophecy from a group of witches telling him that he will become king. Consumed by his own ambition, Macbeth commits a series of murders to secure his power leading to his own downfall. Although many might think that the witches are the most responsible for Macbeth's downfall, in reality it is Macbeth himself who is most responsible because of his unbridled ambition and willingness to commit atrocious acts in pursuit of power.

In the beginning, Macbeth is depicted as a courageous and loyal captain who is dedicated to serving the King of Scotland, Duncan.

When the prophecy starts proving itself true, Macbeth starts to act on the witches prophecy. Because of this, Macbeth becomes increasingly obsessed with maintaining power as he disregards others, even the ones he’s closest with. Eventually Macbeth realizes what is driving him by saying, “I have no spur/to prick the sides of my intent, but only/ vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself and falls on th' other” (1.7.25-28). This quote demonstrates his understanding in which he knows that his own drive is fueled by the lust for power. After some time, his ambition and drive leads him down a path of destruction causing him to commit terrible acts. Before committing this horrible act, Macbeth says, “Glam’s thou art and Cawdor, and shalt be/ what thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy nature/it is too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness/to catch the nearest way” (1.5.58-60). Here, this quote shows what Macbeth thinks of people, expressing that he believes he must “milk” or in other words, abuse human kindness to jump into what he desires. This quote may be foreshadowing that he has chosen to take drastic measures to gain power. Of course though, his conscience is what holds him back, and if it was strong enough, could have been his saving grace from his descent into

While it is true the witches have provided him with a prophecy that has sent him down this path of destruction, they are not his greatest downfall as they simply provided information not forcing him to take action. It was his own ambition that made him commit these terrible acts to take power. During his descent into darkness, Macbeth says, “I am in blood/stepped in so far that, should I wade no more/returning as tedious as go o’er” (3.4.168-170). This brings to light his understanding that he knows it was his own fault that has sent him on the wrong path. Macbeth's ambition driving him to murder these in his way to seize power was his greatest