Macbeth's Downfall

Macbeth, a famous play written by William Shakespeare, depicts the effects of ambition on a desiring King Macbeth. As Macbeth’s constant desire for power increases, his own tragic downfall is developing, whether this tragedy is depicted in losing his friends, loyal supporters, wife, or own life. Although Macbeth is downright evil, and a heartless murderer of many, by the end of this Shakespearean piece, Macbeth was not inherently a terrible being. Misleading but honest, the beginning of the play portrays Macbeth as respectful to others and respected by his peers, including the current King Duncan. However, Alexander Hamilton describes Macbeth’s downfall in a general statement, saying “The strongest passions, and most dangerous weaknesses of
He was a gentleman on whom I built An absolute trust” (I.iv.12-14). Despite the embarrassing betrayal of his own thane, Duncan openly admits his previous trust in the traitor, displaying the trusting and innocent faith he primarily gives to others until they act otherwise. Although Duncan obtains the right to chastise with superiority and anger, he simply assigns the thane with the normal punishment for betrayal, undoubtedly portraying his inherent grace-giving character. Additionally, Macduff depicts his naturally righteous character through his persistent desire to fight off direness, even when he is personally safe and content. Following Lennox’s configuration of clues leading to Macbeth’s murderous exposure, a Lord states, “Thither Macduff Is gone to pray the holy kind upon his aid To wake the Northumberland and warlike Siward That, by the help of these… we may again Give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights, Free from our feasts and banquets bloody knives Do faithful homage… he Prepares for some attempt of war” (III. vi. 29-39). Macduff does not plan for war to be treacherous, he plans for war to save the lives in Scotland from what he believes is a truly
For example, almost instantly, Macbeth displays deep regret for his murdering of Duncan, stating, “I am afraid to think what I have done” (II.iii.49). Although Macbeth commits murder, in this case such actions clearly result from corruption of his wife and the pernicious witches. Macbeth’s truly kind heart reacts with absolute horror and terror when considering the action he has committed, and instead of creating excuses for himself, he grieves the loss of Duncan with tremendous guilt. A man of loyalty and trust, Banquo later depicts his truly pure and dauntless heart during his own tragic murder. As the murderers catch ahold of Banquo and he becomes aware of his fate, Banquo yells to his son, “O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! Thou mayst revenge –O’ slave! (III.iii.18). Banquo’s warning for Fleance clearly displays that Banquo is not worried about his own being during this moment, but instead is focusing on his son’s life and escape instead. Even under the most stressful and fearsome circumstances, Banquo initially considers another person’s life over his own. Toward the play’s end, Lady Macbeth is having disturbing episodes of sleepwalking, and her gentlewoman brings a doctor to consider her circumstances. When the gentlewoman hears Lady Macbeth’s most critical secret and