Was Macbeth to blame for his own downfall?
Some may argue that Macbeth was merely a victim of the influences surrounding him—those which lead, ultimately, to his downfall—but the truth is, Macbeth had no one but himself to blame. His own carelessness, his superstition and dependence on prophecy or fate, as well as his weakness of character and lack of moral backbone all led to his downfall.
First, his carelessness, while not a moral fault, is still an important part of Macbeth’s descent. For example, it was the number of people Macbeth had killed that led to the lord’s suspicions of him. If he had been more discreet about his murders, and less eager to eliminate all competition through bloodshed, he may have, ironically, been able to maintain his kingdom. Another side to that is his treatment of his subordinates. Had he not been so callous and cruel to the people he presided over— calling his servant a “cream-faced loon” with a “goose look” (V.ii.11-12) even as he brought him vital news— he may have been guarded in his final hours, by faithful subjects and friends.
