Macbeth's Downfall: The Tragedy of Ambition and Influence

Often times a person can get caught up in the fame or glory of being successful which causes them to act in a way they normally would not have. This is the case in William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth. The three evil witches and “vaulting ambition” ultimately cause Macbeth’s death. Macbeth and Banquo are two Scottish generals who have returned from battle. As they are walking through the woods they encounter three witches. Macbeth and Banquo are startled at first. The witches then start to speak. The first witch tells Macbeth: “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, thane of Glamis!” (Shakespeare, I, III, 50) The second witch then says: “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, thane of Cawdor! (Shakespeare, I, III, 51) The third witch then speaks: “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” (Shakespeare, I, III, 68-69) Banquo sees the fear in Macbeth’s presence and tells him to not fear them. When the witches disappear Macbeth wants to hear what else they have to say while Banquo does not believe what

When Macbeth arrives back to witches they offer him three apparitions. The first apparition is an armed head that warns Macbeth to beware MacDuff. The second apparition is a bloody child that says no man born of woman will harm Macbeth. The third apparition of a crowned child holding a tree says, “Macbeth shall never be vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him.”(Shakespeare, IV, I, 91-93) Macbeth is pleased with the apparitions but wants to know more information about his future. The witches then show him a procession of kings followed by Banquo. Macbeth is angered by this and finds out that MacDuff has gone to Malcolm for help to overthrow him. Macbeth feels threatened so he plans to have MacDuff’s whole family murdered along with everyone in his castle. Macbeth is ruthless and has no sense of regret, all he wants it to become