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Macbeth

 

            
             Macbeth's downfall was generated by a combination of factors. These include Macbeth's greed, ambition, over confidence and Lady Macbeth's suspicious behavior. This series of factors lead to the downfall of Macbeth.
             One factor that lead to Macbeth's downfall was his greed. An example of Macbeth's greed is seen when he posses complete power over Scotland and yet believes it to be fruitless if his children were not also kings. In act 3, scene 2 line 65, Macbeth stated: "No son of mine succeeding, if it be so for Banquo's issue have I filled my mind, for them the gracious Duncan I have murdered." This track of thought leads Macbeth to kill Banquo. Killing him would have no doubt won Macbeth more enemies. His greed was the spade he used to dig his own grave.
             It is true that ambition lies in all of us but in the case of Macbeth his ambition lead to his downfall. The first spark of ambition that is witnessed in Macbeth occurs a short while after Malcolm was named the prince of Cumberland. In act 1, scene 4, line 50, Macbeth declared: "Stars hide your fires, let not light see my deep and dark desires." The second time we encounter Macbeth's ambition takes place moments before Duncan's murder. In act 1 scene 7 line 25, Macbeth stated: "I have no spur to prick the sides of intent, but only vaulting ambition, which overleaps itself and falls on another." In this line Macbeth admits that his blind ambition is the sole driving force present in him that demands Duncan's blood. The temptation and power lust by far outmatched Macbeth's will power and self-control abilities. His ambition drove him to murder and in combination with his greed, overconfidence and Lady Macbeth's suspicious behavior lead to his downfall. .
             Overconfidence was yet another of Macbeth's flaws. Although his overconfidence was closely linked to his heavy dependence and misinterpretation of the witches prophesies. An example of his overconfidence takes place when he initially receives news of the attack on his castle.


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