Who Is Responsible For Macbeth's Downfall

Macbeth Essay There were many events that occurred in the play due to Macbeth's emotions. There were also many factors that led to Macbeth's downfall in the end. Macbeth was given three prophecies by the witches and when the first one came true, Macbeth became greedy and wanted more power. He decided to make the rest of the prophecies come true himself instead of waiting. Many emotions also contributed to Macbeth's crimes; when lady Macbeth deceives him in to killing King Duncan, Macbeth did not want to feel like a coward. However, fear is the primary emotion in Macbeth. Although Macbeth feared many characters like King Duncan and Malcolm, it is most evident that he is fearful of the characters Banquo, Fleance and finally Macduff. Macbeth's great fear of …show more content…
In this quote "And in his royalty of nature reigns / That which would be feared" (3.1.56-57) Macbeth expresses his fear of Banquo. He fears that he will lose the power of being king and Banquo will overthrown him. The quote says that Banquo's royalty of nature, meaning Banquo's generosity and kindness to the people in Scotland, threatens Macbeth; that people in Scotland will go against Macbeth and support Banquo instead. This quote is significant in showing Macbeth's fear of Banquo because it explains Macbeth's deepest fear; losing his position as king. Secondly the line when the witches were giving the prophecies: "lesser than Macbeth, and greater / Not so happy. yet much happier. / Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none." (1.3.67-69). The witches are saying Banquo will be lesser in royal class to Macbeth but greater because he will be the father to a line of kings. Banquo will also not be as happy as Macbeth because he is not king but will be happier because he will not commit treason and dishonour himself by killing the king. The last line is saying he will not be king but will be the father to many. Macbeth fears this because if