The Tragic Downfall of Macbeth

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The Tragic Downfall of Macbeth William Shakespeare's Macbeth is a tragedy about a war hero named Macbeth, who follows his ambition with evil and who is repaid with evil. Although the witches' predictions are responsible for influencing Macbeth's thoughts, no one tells Macbeth to kill Duncan. Macbeth is responsible for putting power into the hands of Lady Macbeth and letting her influence him. Another example of Macbeth's early thoughts of treachery occurs when Duncan formally names his son Malcolm as his successor. "Stars, hide your fires; / Let not light see my black and deep desires: / The eye wink at the hand! yet let that be, /" (I, iv, 57-59). Macbeth is vexed at the Duncan's choice of successor and wishes to overleap the situation with murder. No one helps Macbeth's thoughts to prepare for the murder of Duncan. It is Macbeth and Macbeth only who is responsible for his own ambitions. Macbeth is eager to become king and wishes to reach his goal by any means, even if this means letting himself be influenced by others. Macbeth is responsible for putting power into the hands of Lady Macbeth and letting her influence him. Lady Macbeth tries to persuade Macbeth to kill Duncan but it is Macbeth who listens to her demands. "This night's great business into my dispatch; / Which shall to all our nights and days to come / Give solely sovereign sway and masterdom" (I, v, 75-77). Macbeth could have told his Lady to stop her plans. Instead, he lets himself be influenced. Macbeth puts power into the hands of Lady Macbeth by letting her arrange Duncan's murder. Macbeth is fully aware of the consequences of his actions and is thereby liable to be blamed for his fate. Through his thoughts, actions, and decisions Macbeth demonstrates his overwhelming guilt. Macbeth's desire to become king drives him to introduce plans for Duncan's murder. Macbeth is aware that his thoughts are corrupt and he knows that justice will somehow punish him. However, Macbeth makes no attempt to reverse the situation and is thereby responsible for his

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