Who Was Responsible For The Downfall Of Macbeth

Macbeth’s Downfall Ezra Taft Benson once said, “You are free to choose, but are not free to alter the consequences of your decisions.” William Shakespeare’s, Macbeth, is a tragic play that follows the life of a man who springs to power and quickly abuses it. He in absolutely no way reached his position with honor, but by the cruel act of murder and deceit. This play amplifies the damaging psychological consequences of Macbeth’s rise to power that caused him to lose everything. Macbeth is solely responsible for his own downfall by letting his temptation, ambition, and envy have the best of him. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth’s temptation to become the king grows steadily, especially when the three witches reveal their prophecies to him. The first prophecy stated that Macbeth shall become Thane of Glamis, which did become a reality, second prophecy stated that Macbeth shall be king …show more content…
His temptation is first revealed when the evil witches vanish, and Macbeth pleads, “Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more….I know I am thane of Glamis. But how of Cawdor?... Speak, I charge you” (I.III.73). This foreshadows what is going to occur later in the play and is a clear demonstration of the beginning of Macbeth’s deadly temptation. He not only continues to ask questions showing his interest in becoming king, but becomes more demanding and frustrated which will soon evolve into his nature thus worsening with power. Some may argue that the witches are entirely the responsible for Macbeth’s downfall due to their corrupt prophecies that ignite a dangerous flame in Macbeth, but that is not the completely the case. After the witches disappear,