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Macbeth's Downfall


            A person's downfall is not brought on by chance, there are always many contributing factors that leads to one's self-destruction. In William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, a protagonist puts himself through many trials and tribulations in order to appease his own ambition. Throughout the play, there are three prominent themes that lead to his tragic downfall. Firstly, sight is explored through Macbeth's ambitions to become successful and prosperous. The second theme is lightness versus darkness. This demonstrates Macbeth's transition from nobility to becoming a tyrant. Lastly, blindness is an important theme due to Macbeth not being able to see the consequences for his actions. Therefore, it is evident that the themes, sight, lightness versus darkness, and blindness are all driving factors that lead to his downfall. .
             One of the first factors that causes Macbeth's collapse would be his foresight, given by the witches, which spurs his ambitions to become king. At this point Macbeth has been given two prophecies, one to become the Thane of Cawdor, and the other to eventually become king. The first prophecy has come true causing him to become obsessed with speeding up the process to have the throne. The king has come to Macbeth's household for the night and during this time, Macbeth is contemplating the idea of killing the current king, Duncan, when he explains "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o'verleaps itself and falls on th' other-"(Shakespeare 1.7.25-28). His words prove that the only reason he wants to kill Duncan is to make the second prophecy come true. He feels there is no need to murder the king because Duncan is a good ruler and has just awarded Macbeth with a prestigious title. However the prophecies and the idea of power appeals to Macbeth and brings forth feelings that are too strong for him to subdue. Thus causing Macbeth to mould his actions to make the prophecy's come true instead of leaving it up to fate.


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