Overconfidence In Macbeth

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What do Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, and Gandhi have in common? They

all impacted and influenced society through the decisions they made. In the play, Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, the main character, Macbeth, is greatly influenced by others. He is easily manipulated by many characters that lead to his downfall. Throughout the play, Lady Macbeth and the witches influence Macbeth into being a murderer. Throughout the play, Lady Macbeth and the witches influence Macbeth’s ambition, fear and confidence. Throughout the play, Macbeth’s character changes due to the influence of several characters, which awakens his ambition. At the start of the play, Macbeth is portrayed as a brave gentleman who respects his social position as well
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At the beginning of the play, Macbeth, does not have this trait of overconfidence, but as the play advances, the reader is able to see his change on developing this quality. This confidence leads him to make decisions without the input of others, but as well as view other characters as not harmful. The first event that leads to Macbeth’s development of overconfidence is Lady Macbeth’s influence throughout the beginning of the play. As Lady Macbeth influences Macbeth into the deed of killing Duncan, she uses confidence as a factor in which she thinks will help him to do the deed. One can see Macbeth’s development of this when he tells Lady Macbeth, “Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck/ till thou applaud the deed” (III, ii, 45-46). This is stated when Macbeth has plans to kill Banquo, but does not tell Lady Macbeth. His decision to not tell Lady Macbeth is due to his overconfidence of him succeeding with his own plans. This is lead by Lady Macbeth’s previous influence in him killing Duncan. Since Macbeth had not been caught, he feels he can continue with these devious deeds and get away with them. If Lady Macbeth did not influence him to the initial deed to kill Duncan, Macbeth may have never felt the confidence of never being caught. Another event that leads to Macbeth’s overconfidence is the prophecies from the apparitions. The second apparition says, “Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn/ the power of man, for none of woman born/ shall harm Macbeth” (IV, i, 78-80). The apparitions tell Macbeth he does not have to fear anyone born of a woman. As a result, Macbeth does not have to worry about anyone. In reality, the witches are deceiving Macbeth and making him overconfident. The only reason he believes the prophecies is due to their first encounter when they predicted his fate and it came true. Macbeth is easily influenced to think he is untouchable. When the army

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