Witches Prophecies And Lady Macbeths example essay topic

The Tragic Downfall of Macbeth In William Shakespeare's 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 desire to become king, take over his better half and eventually lead to his downfall. Three main factors that intertwine with one another that contribute to Macbeths tragic end are the prophecies told by the three witches, Lady Macbeths influence, and finally, Macbeths excessive ambition which drove his desire to become king. The prophecy told by the three witches was what triggers the other factors that contribute to Macbeths downfall. In the first act, Macbeth is told by the witches 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 imperfect speakers. Tell me more. By Sinews death I kno I am Thane of Glam is. But how of Cawdor The Thane of Cawdor lives a prosperous gentleman, and to be king stands not within the prospect of belief. (Act 1. sc.

3) 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 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 witches prophecies becomes true when Macbeth is named the Thane of Cawdor by King Duncan.

At this point, Macbeth seeks advice from his wife, Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth provides a scheme for Macbeth to assassinate the King. She is manipulative and persuasive in corrupting Macbeths judgement. What beast wast then, that you break this enterprise to me When you durst do it, then you were a man; An to be more than what you are, you would be so much more the manKKhad I sworn as you have done this.

(Act 1. Sc. 7) In this quote, Lady Macbeth is agitating Macbeth by saying he is not a man if he does not do what he says he is going to do, which is to murder the king. This angers Macbeth and enables him to follow Lady Macbeths scheme to kill the king and continue killing. Macbeths first murder is a trying experience for him. However, as the play progresses, killing seems to be the only solution to maintain his reign of the people of Scotland.

Macbeth becomes increasingly ambitious as the play goes on. The witches prophecies and Lady Macbeths influence intensifies his ambition and drives Macbeth to obtain and maintain his title of Scotland by whatever means, even murdering his best friend, Banquo. Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown... No Son of mine succeeding... If t be so, for Banquo Issue have I filed my mind; For them the gracious Duncan I have murdered... to make them kings, the Seeds of Banquo kings (Act 3. sc. 1) At this point Macbeths becomes more and more extreme to the point where no one stands in his way.

His greed, violence, and hunger for power declines his character. The witches prophecy, Lady Macbeths influence, and Macbeths own ambition all contribute greatly to his deterioration of character which results in his downfall, which was death. All the causes link to one another. If it wasnt for witches prophecies, Macbeth would still be his ordinary self. Because of these prophecies, Macbeths curiosity of possibly becoming king was brought out which led Lady Macbeths controlling influence. Macbeths ambition then builds and causes him to commit a series of murders, one of which, include his own best friend.

If one of these factors were missing, Macbeth would not have been strong enough to carry the motive to kill King Duncan, which ultimately leads to his destruction.