Macbeth Essay
Macbeth Essay: “Macbeth is to blame for his downfall.” Discuss.
The play Macbeth explores the themes of good and evil, appearances often hiding reality and the effect that ambition can have on people. In the play, Macbeth before the murder of King Duncan was a noble thane. When he is confronted by witches who reveal their prophecies about him, it influences him and plays a part in his downfall. His wife, Lady Macbeth also influences him and she produces a change in his character which leads to his decent. Macbeth himself, after the murder of Duncan, is to blame for his destruction as he takes control over his actions. Macbeth’s strive for power affects every aspect of his life, and his motivation leads to his downfall and demise.
The witches and their prophecies are the first major influence on Macbeth’s downfall. In the community, Macbeth is a respected Thane; he is trusted by King Duncan and his comrades, “For brave Macbeth – well he deserves that name… O valiant cousin! Worthy Gentleman!” He is noble and intelligent and has respect for Duncan and this is exposed when Macbeth contemplates the thought of killing Duncan, “why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair, and make my seated heart knock at my ribs.” The witches through their prophecies attack his weakness – his ambition to be king. it interests Macbeth, “tell me more…stay you imperfect speakers…speak! I charge you!” This also reveals a previous secret ambition of attaining the throne. Macbeth is influenced by the witches as the combine their prophecies with his already prominent ambition to be king. When Macbeth hears the prophecies, “hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor, thou shalt be king hereafter”, he thinks about murdering Duncan, King of Scotland. The idea of being king appeals to him. The prophecies also disturb Macbeth because he is a good man, a man of conscience and a man who knows right from wrong. The thought of killing Duncan becomes an uneasy obsession in Macbeth’s...
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