Who Was Blamed for Macbeth's Downfall

The people of the Elizabethan times believed in witchcraft. Infact, King James 1 was the author of many books on the topic witchcraft. In this period of time, they saw people who fell under the spell of witches with an evil persona. Macbeth is considered evil, as he was allowed to be taken control by the witches. Some might remark that witches deceptive and vague prophecies made it good reasons to easily brainwash Macbeth. They might even say these prophecies would intrigue and eventually command anyone. However, on the other hand Banquo simply ignores the prophecy given by the supernatural supernatural. We can see from the beginning Banquo doesn’t trust the witches. “But’tis strange, And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths; win is with honest trifles, to betray’s n deepest consequence”. Unlike Macbeth, Banquo is processing the whole picture. He understands that the witches might betray them and only lead to their own destruction. It is Macbeth’s fault he trusted and depended on witches who are often associated with words like evil, deceptive, and supernatural. After confronting with the witches, Macbeth is ambitious, where as Banquo doesn’t believe them despite the prophecy stating that his kids will become king. Even if Macbeth becomes were to become thane of Glamis, wouldn’t this position command enough power to satisfy his ambition? The fact is that Macbeth wants more. Actually, Macbeth is ambitious even without the witches. After he found out he was destined to become king, he didn’t let anyone stop him from becoming king. The witches had never told Macbeth to kill Duncan. Although we can’t deny the fact that the witches suggest him these vague visions, but it is Macbeth who interoperates them the way he wants to.

Although we see that Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth to kill Duncan, however Macbeth starts to show a dark sight to his character after he is told of the witch’s prophecies. Macbeth has even considerers of Duncan’s death before Lady Macbeth shares her murder scheme of Duncan. To demonstrate his thinking of Duncan’s murder he says “Present fears are less than horrible imaginings. My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical…” In Act 1 Scene 5, Macbeth sends a letter to Lady Macbeth to inform her about the witches’ prophecies. The fact that the letter is sent, suggests that he is testing Lady Macbeth to see whether she is thinking in the same lines. Furthermore, in the closing stages of the letter, Macbeth sparks ambition indirectly sparks ambition in Lady Macbeth. Macbeth flatters Lady Macbeth by addressing her as “…dearest partner of greatness…”. The reason Macbeth does this is because to show Lady Macbeth how important they will be titled after becoming King and Queen. Macbeth shows to Lady Macbeth the power and greatness of becoming King by saying “that though mightst not lose the dues of rejoicing by being ignorant of what greatness is promised thee”. From Lady Macbeth reaction after she reads the letter, she understands the power associated with becoming Queen and also Macbeth’s problem. “And that which rather thou dost fear to do, Than wishest should be undone”, says Lady Macbeth. By this line, Macbeth indirectly gives Lady Macbeth the advantage to manipulate him, although he aware of her doing so. At the end of Act 1 Scene 6, when Lady Macbeth says “Leave all the rest to me”. After this Macbeth doesn’t comment, which shows that he is ready to go with Lady Macbeth’s plan of murdering Duncan. Eventually it is Macbeth who murders Duncan. Lady Macbeth only questions his masculinity and uses emotive blackmail. She doesn’t force Macbeth to kill Duncan. Therefore it is Macbeth’s own actions that lead him to his downfall. Lady Macbeth is not to blame, as it is Macbeth who tells her about the witches prophecies, and ultimately falls under the

Macbeth is responsible for his own actions. Throughout the play we can see that Macbeth’s conscience is weak. He is blamed for his own downfall because he sins even though he acknoleodges that the decision is wrong. Although Macbeth eventually murders Duncan, he exits the murdered Duncan’s chamber unhinged and in remorse, “Wake Duncan with thy knocking: I would thou couldst”. The fact that Macbeth feels guilty shows Macbeth is fully responsible for all the actions he takes. Also, he doesn’t try to make any changes to his character. This bothers and greatly disturbs his conscience. The reason Macbeth doesn’t to correct his misguided actions is demonstrated in this line “I am in blood stepped in so far that I should wade no more, returning were as tedious as go’er. Macbeth illustrates a picture of him standing in river of blood. This line illustrates Macbeth deep in a river of blood, he says he so deep in the river that it is better of going forward than going backwards. Macbeth grows more sinful and greedy. He goes on killing Banquo, Macduff’s family without anyone forcing him to.