This scene takes place after Macbeth assigns three murderers to kill Banquo and his son, Fleance. The murderers succeed at killing Banquo, however Fleance escapes. As a result of guilt and fear, Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost seated at the banquet. To Banquo's ghost, Macbeth fearfully exclaims, "Thou canst not say I did it: never shake Thy gory locks at me." (Pg 143), and to those seated at the table, "Prithee, see there! behold! look! lo! how say you? Why, what care I? If thou canst nod, speak too." (Pg 145). His fears of being caught for various murders, leads him to continue to kill those who have suspicions. It is this vicious cycle which Macbeth has subconsciously created, that makes him go mad. Subsequently, Macbeth's fearful nature is a cause of his very own downfall.
Additionally, an external force which lead to Macbeth's downfall is his wife, Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth plotted the death of King Duncan after receiving a letter from her husband explaining the witches' prophecy. In order to receive what she wants, Lady Macbeth manipulates her husband, using his insecurities against him. When Macbeth is unsure of killing Duncan, she attacks his manhood, saying: "Art thou afeard To be the same in thine own act and valor As thou art in desire? Wouldst thou have that Which thou esteem'st the ornament of life, And live a coward in thine own esteem" (Pg 59). In this quote, Lady Macbeth mocks her husband, belittles their love, and calls him a coward. She knows what to criticize, and faultlessly convinces her husband to kill King Duncan. The death of Duncan began the murderous reign of Macbeth. Which furthermore, lead to Macbeth's downfall. Likewise, another example of Lady Macbeth's manipulative influence on her husband is illustrated when Macbeth sees the ghost of Banquo. Macbeth feels himself falter in self-doubt. His wife witnessing this, says to him:.
Are you a man? [] O, proper stuff! This is the very painting of your fear.