What Is The Greatest Reason For Macbeth's Downfall

The greatest reason for Macbeth’s downfall is not the witches nor Lady Macbeth, it is Macbeth himself. One could blame the witches for Macbeth’s downfall because they reveal a tempting prophecy, however, they would miss a crucial point. Banquo was also told of a tempting future where he would father a line of kings. The difference between Banquo and Macbeth was that Banquo did not give in to temptation. Moreover, Banquo could have chosen to kill Duncan believing that his son, Fleance, would take the throne. That was not the case. Like Banquo, Macbeth had free-will. he could have chosen to wait until he was eventually crowned, however, he gave into desire and allowed Lady Macbeth to deceive him into killing Duncan. Furthermore, when Macbeth
receives the second set of prophecies, Macbeth ignores the witches’ warnings and demands to see the last apparitions. If the witches truly wanted Macbeth to fall into despair, why would they warn him beforehand.