Macbeth Tragic Flaws Essay

Every person is unique and made with a purpose to be themselves. No one is perfect, everyone has flaws and imperfections that should be accepted. A person is not defined by their flaws but, rather how they use these flaws and overcome them. In some cases, we hear of tragic flaws that are hard to overcome and bring one to their downfall. A strong tragic flaw that completely takes over the mind and blocks out all other surroundings, a flaw that grows stronger and can never be satisfied. One character in particular that we can relate this to is Macbeth. He was challenged with a tragic flaw that controlled him and could not be dealt with. Macbeth’s ambition was the tragic flaw that gradually grew and led him to his downfall. It is seen as his natural ambition is challenged by the witches, the unspeakable crimes he commits, and

the vicious cycle he was trapped in.
Often it is normal for people to have this natural ambition within them. Macbeth’s natural ambition was challenged by the three witches.

Initially as a brave and confident character Macbeth had a natural ambition that did well for his country. He identified traitors and used his ambition in a positive way to continue doing good and proving himself. The witches prophecy sparked Macbeth’s ambition and his thirst for power. As he received the forecast of his future, “All hail Macbeth, Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor. All hail Macbeth. That shalt be king hereafter” (1.3.4-8 ). It gave him a false vision and confidence of what could possibly be his. Stated in the prophecy was Macbeth receiving the title of Thane of Cawdor and later on becoming the King of Scotland. With Macbeth catching a traitor to Scotland and being given the title Thane of Cawdor he did not make the connection that he earned this position, he thought the witches gave it to him. Although Macbeth was still questioning the prophecies and what he should believe, his ambition followed through and made him think the prophecy was real. The witches simply gave Macbeth a vision and played with his mind that was easily tricked. This first error Macbeth made was being

tricked, his flaw of ambition being challenged slowly started to grow as he realized it could all be true. Macbeth grew away from his natural ambition. Following Macbeth’s confused thoughts and title advancement, the witches prophecy led Macbeth into ambitious thoughts of murdering King Duncan. Ambitiously thinking about himself Macbeth thought he could take the King’s position and all would be good. He was still lost and confused, his ambition was stronger but he still recognized the possible punishments with his plans, “Let not light see my black and deep desires” (1.4.51). Macbeth stated that he does not want his ambition to be revealed. He wants no courage or negative ambition to be shown. Macbeth knew he had this ambition in him, especially with his thoughts and plans in mind. The witches never forced Macbeth to do anything nor did they give Macbeth instructions. This plan in mind was because of his ambition as he realized he could possibly become king. Knowing it was the wrong