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The Path of Macbeth's Downfall

 

            William Shakespeare, known as the greatest writer in the English language, was known for writing some of the greatest poems and plays of all time. The legacy some of Shakespeare's works carry with them as well as the lessons that are still relevant to this day make his works timeless. Shakespeare's playwrights got him a spot in the distinguished Lord Chamberlain's Men, by far the most prestigious theater company in Renaissance England. The legend of Shakespeare goes long past his playwriting, however, as he was also an accomplished actor, even acting in his own plays. Shakespeare also contributed to the English language adding over 1000 words to the language, creating the Shakespearean-style sonnet and writing a majority of his famous plays in a style known as iambic pentameter. The Tragedy of Macbeth is one of the most famous plays written by Shakespeare. The main character, Macbeth, has a lot of pressure on him from other surrounding forces, changing his image from a brave soldier willing to sacrifice his life for his king and kingdom to a flat out evil human being. Macbeth's tragic fall from a beloved war hero to an evil-hearted murderer is attributed to the negative influence of others, but ultimately his own wrongdoings and his stubborn faith in the witches' prophecies.
             Macbeth commits these criminal acts to please his wife, Lady Macbeth, and prove to her that his is strong enough to take a man's life. After hearing from the Three Witches that he will indeed become a king, he mind immediately drifts onto how he will replace Duncan as king. With the news of Macbeth becoming the new Thane of Cawdor also came the announcement that Duncan's eldest son, Malcolm, would be his heir to the throne, and ultimately leaving no room for Macbeth to fulfill his prophecy. Macbeth's only solution is kill Duncan, somehow get rid of Malcolm and seemingly take the throne from Duncan. Macbeth has doubts and almost decides not to follow through, but Lady Macbeth challenges his manhood and calls Macbeth a coward for not wanting to follow through with the plan.


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