Macbeth: Theories on who is to blame for Macbeth's downfall

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                                            The Tragedy

Is Macbeth hapless in general or is there someone responsible for his downfall? Macbeth, or other known as The Scottish Play, is a famous tragedy written by William Shakespeare. The plot of the play involves Macbeth, a war hero, who has just returned home from war. On the way home, Macbeth is informed by witches, or “weird sisters”, that he will become the Thane of Cawdor, eventually becoming King of Scotland one day. The thought of becoming king excites Macbeth, and eventually Macbeth does become king of Scotland, but Macbeth becomes an unjust king. Macbeth becomes a paranoid, tyrant with tendencies of committing murder. Throughout the play, Macbeth rises to power but soon falls from the throne and to his death. There are three theories that correlate with Macbeth’s downfall. The witches, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth’s ambitions are responsible for Macbeth’s downfall.

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The witches are at fault for Macbeth’s downfall because they were the first to fuel Macbeth’s hamartia. The witches are the first to give Macbeth hope of being king. The witches tell Macbeth of a prophecy that includes him receiving the title, Thane of Cawdor, and eventually becoming king. When Macbeth arrives home King Duncan gives Macbeth the position, Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth then fully believes the witches’ prophecy that was given to him. When Macbeth kills Duncan to follow the prophecy and become king, Macbeth changes into an entirely different person. He develops into someone who will kill anyone ...

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