Macbeths Downfall
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Macbeth
In the play Macbeth, The character of Macbeth is introduced as a brave, loyal man. As the play progresses, Macbeth starts to degenerate into a murderous tyrant. The factor that led to his degeneration of character was his ability to be easily influenced by others. This intensified his drive and ambition to become King of Scotland. This flaw led to his downfall and later, death.
At the beginning of the play Macbeth is portrayed as a loyal, brave and loving man. Macbeths loyalty and bravery is shown when one of the Scottish nobles, Angus, is sent from Duncan to pronounce him Thane of Cawdor. “And for an earnest of a greater honor,/ He bade me, from him, call thee Thane of Cawdor,/ In which addition, hail, most worthy thane,/ For it is thine”(1.3.105-108). This quote shows that Macbeth was recognized for his loyalty to his country, and in return the King named him Thane of Cawdor.
In his letter to Lady Macbeth he says, “This have I thought good to deliver/ thee, my dearest partner of greatness, that thou/ mightst not lose the dues of rejoicing by being ignorant/ of what greatness is promised thee. Lay it to thy heart, and farewell” (1.5.10-14). This quote shows Macbeths loving nature because he refers to his wife as his dearest partner of greatness.
Macbeths flaw that led to his downfall was his ability to be influenced and manipulated by others. When talking to Macbeth, Lady Macbeth persuades him to kill Duncan. Macbeth gives in to her plans and says, “I am settled and bend up/Each corporal agent to this terrible feat./Away, and mock the time with fairest show./ False face must hide what the false heart doth/ know”(1.7.92-96). This shows how Macbeth was introduced, by Lady Macbeth, to the concept of murdering to become King.
Macbeths decisions were also influenced by the witches and their prophecies. If the witches