Macbeth 3
Character or fate. Which of these two forces (external or internal) led to the downward fall of a great military hero and worthy Thane, Macbeth, turned evil and murderous when led astray by the prophecies of three old witches. Some people argue that Macbeth is the victim of fate, while others argue that his character decides his downfall. The argument for fate is strongly led by the actions of others, with Lady Macbeth being the prime influence on Macbeth. While the opposition is led by Macbeth^s troubled conscience, his own internal conflict and his hamartia. It is clearly visible that Macbeth^s own character is at fault for his tragic downfall. It is the opinion of many, that Macbeth is a victim of fate. These critics state that Macbeth is heavily influenced by his overpowering wife, Lady Macbeth. Macbeth decides that he cannot kill Duncan as he is his "kinsman, and his subject"(Act 1,Scene 7: 13) yet Lady Macbeth taunts him saying: "I have given suck, and know How tender ^Ãtis to love the babe that milks me : I would, while it was smiling in my face Have pluck^Ã'd my nipple from his bone less gums, And dash^Ã'd the brains out, had I so sworn As you have done to this" (Act 1, Scene 7: 54-59) This graphic view of the extent to which Lady Macbeth would go to keep a promise would have been more accepted in our society than in that of Shakespeare. In the days of Shakespeare, women had no business arguing with their husbands and even less often was their argument or threat taken into consideration. Men were the "be-all" and "end-all" and this speech made by Lady Macbeth would have been of little persuasion. The Macbeth of Shakespeare was a military man, strong in his views and opinions and was definitely a victim of his own character. Conversely, Macbeth was warned of his assuming downfall by his weary conscience. On three occasions his conscience wearied him. Firstly, with the vision of the dagger before the murder of King...
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