In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the drama presents a plot where there is a thin, blurred line between fate and free will. Several aspects attribute to the downfall of Macbeth and there are a variety of viewpoints that coincide with each of the possible faults. However, in actuality, Macbeth’s murder and all of its elements predominantly stem from Macbeth’s own choices. The cause of Macbeth’s death is primarily due to his free will to go and seek unknown dangers and commit heinous crimes. In addition, his own willingness to believe in the witches against his better judgement, also significantly impacted his declination. Be that as it may, the idea put into his head by the witches, his wife’s ruthless persuasion, and his already ambitious personality
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From the first introduction of Macbeth, one gets a sense that he is confident in himself. When the sergeant describes Macbeth and his military success, he declares, “For brave Macbeth - well he deserves that name - Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel” (1.2.16-17). Macbeth’s confidence is a driving characteristic in his decision making and his actions. This aspect was witnessed when his wife persuaded him to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth attacks Macbeth’s ego by saying she was more manly than he and that he is a coward. She mocks, “As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that which thou esteem’st the ornament of life, and live a coward in thine own esteem” (1.7.41-43). Macbeth’s ego drives him to continue to strive for success. It develops an ambitious nature in him. However, once he learns that the crown is in his reach, his ambitious personality transforms into excessive pride. Macbeth begins to feel almost invincible, he eliminates every threat and goes to the witches to ensure that he will stay on top. After receiving the witches apparitions, Macbeth is convinced he is untouchable. Notably, when the young siward comes to kill Macbeth, Macbeth laughs in the face of the woman-born-man, “Thou wast born of woman. But swords I smile at, weapons laugh to scorn” (5.7.12-13). On the other hand, Macduff was not so effortlessly slain. Macbeth chose not to take Macduff as seriously as he should have, as a result he lost his life. Macbeth’s ambitious personality converted into hubris and gave him an abundance of pride. This pride enabled him to make poor decisions that caused his
From the first introduction of Macbeth, one gets a sense that he is confident in himself. When the sergeant describes Macbeth and his military success, he declares, “For brave Macbeth - well he deserves that name - Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel” (1.2.16-17). Macbeth’s confidence is a driving characteristic in his decision making and his actions. This aspect was witnessed when his wife persuaded him to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth attacks Macbeth’s ego by saying she was more manly than he and that he is a coward. She mocks, “As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that which thou esteem’st the ornament of life, and live a coward in thine own esteem” (1.7.41-43). Macbeth’s ego drives him to continue to strive for success. It develops an ambitious nature in him. However, once he learns that the crown is in his reach, his ambitious personality transforms into excessive pride. Macbeth begins to feel almost invincible, he eliminates every threat and goes to the witches to ensure that he will stay on top. After receiving the witches apparitions, Macbeth is convinced he is untouchable. Notably, when the young siward comes to kill Macbeth, Macbeth laughs in the face of the woman-born-man, “Thou wast born of woman. But swords I smile at, weapons laugh to scorn” (5.7.12-13). On the other hand, Macduff was not so effortlessly slain. Macbeth chose not to take Macduff as seriously as he should have, as a result he lost his life. Macbeth’s ambitious personality converted into hubris and gave him an abundance of pride. This pride enabled him to make poor decisions that caused his