Downfall In Macbeth's Weaknesses

Everybody has their weaknesses; weaknesses that can lead to their own downfalls. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth has weaknesses of character and mental instability. His flaws prove fatal. Instead of continuing to lead the country of Scotland with absolute power and no opposition, his shortcomings result in his self destruction. Macbeth’s overconfidence that his abilities are superior to everybody else, his greediness for more political power, and his wife’s wicked influence lead to his demise.

Macbeth’s overconfidence contributes to his self-lead destruction. This overconfidence stems from his interpretation of prophecies given by three witches that show how his defeat will never realistically happen. Macbeth’s enemies realize that he has
Lady Macbeth pressures Macbeth into murdering Duncan, which leads to his demise. Lady Macbeth’s uses insults, comparisons, and pointed inquiries about his mental state to manipulate Macbeth. When Macbeth rejects the murder plot she plans, she immediately attacks him, “When you durst do it you were a man; And, to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man” (I.vii.55-58). Lady Macbeth’s jab at him makes him feel weak and cowardly. Not only does Lady Macbeth question Macbeth’s manliness, but she also belittles him, “Wouldst thou have that which esteem’st the ornament of life and live a coward in thine own esteem, letting ‘I dare not’ wait upon ‘I would’ like the poor cat i’ the adage” (I.vii.46-50). Lady Macbeth expresses her doubts about Macbeth’s inner strength. Her insults are a huge blow to Macbeth who normally receives constant praise for his bravery. Next she compares Macbeth to a cat who wants fish but refuses to get its feet wet. Lady Macbeth knows that Macbeth want to be king, but he does not have the nerve to delve into malicious behavior to pursue his desires. Then, after Macbeth declares he no longer wants to murder the king, Lady Macbeth incredulously inquires, “Was the hope drunk wherein you dressed yourself? Hath it slept since? And wakes it now, to look so green and pale...” (I.vii.39-41). This questions Macbeth’s mental state. Macbeth’s change of mind shocks Lady Macbeth so much that she asks if he is drunk, sleep deprived, or sick. She does not believe his seriousness, and she doubts his integrity. Lady Macbeth uses this opportunity to her advantage. When Lady Macbeth forces to Macbeth to explain himself, she counter argues and proves him wrong. Left with no way to defend his reasons or actions, Macbeth finally has enough incentive to kill Duncan when Lady Macbeth provokes him further by suggesting this is the only way he can prove himself a