Macbeths Downfall Essay -- essays research papers

In William Shakespeares Macbeth, the main character, Macbeth, is a brave and loyal subject to the King of Scotland, but as the play progresses, his character begins to change drastically. Evil and unnatural powers, as well as his own passion to become pansy, take over his better half and eventually lead to his downfall. The three main factors that intertwine with one another that total to Macbeths tragic end are the prophecies told by the three witches, lady Macbeths influence, and finally, Macbeths excessive passion and ambition which drove his desire to become king to the utmost extreme. The prophecy told by the three witches was what triggers the other factors that contribute to Macbeth s downfall. In the first act, the witches tell Macbeth that he is to become the Thane of Cawdor and soon after, king. This prophecy arouses Macbeths curiosity of how he can become the King of Scotland. Stay, you feeble speakers, tell me more By Sinels death I know I am Thane of Glamis But how of Cawdor? The Thane of Cawdor lives, a prosperous gentleman and to be king stands not within the prospect of belief. (Act I. sc.III) This quote shows how the witches prophecy attracts Macbeth. It demonstrated how Macbeth thirsts for an answer from the witches of how is he to become the Thane of Cawdor and even king. As the play continues, Macbeth slowly relies on the witches prophecies. It becomes a remedy for Macbeths curiosity, which corrupts his character. One of the witche...