Supernatural in Shakespeares Macbeth - Witches and Lady...

The Witches and Lady Macbeth Cause the Downfall of Macbeth William Shakespeares tragic play, Macbeth shows the gradual descent of the character Macbeth into the moral abyss. Macbeths yearning for power draws him to the murder of King Duncan, Banquo, and Macduffs family. It is difficult to understand how a courageous, gentle man such as Macbeth, could be involved in such villainous activities. In truth, it was the witches and Lady Macbeth that transformed into evil Macbeths natural desire for control and authority. The play, Macbeth clearly illustrates that wicked intention must, in the end, produce wicked action. Shakespeare focuses on Macbeths courage early in the play. For example, Duncan and the†¦show more content†¦Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!/ All hail, Macbeth! That shalt be King hereafter(I.iii.52-57) When Macbeth hears this prophecy, many questions instantly run through his head. He begins to wonder, What are they talking about and how will I become king? Macbeth does not entirely trust the witches, for he does identify them with evil. The foretelling of the witches sparks the plot of the murder. The sparks burst into flame when Lady Macbeth hears of the prophecy. Lady Macbeth is canny and masterful as she propels Macbeth to kill Duncan. She binds Macbeths attention to the throne of Scotland, but never to the severity of the crime. Lady Macbeth is clever when she constantly urges Macbeth to forget about his torments and the brutal death he has caused. Before the actual murder, Macbeth is shrouded with fear; Banquo can see it on his face. Although Banquo does not know about the planned murder, he asks, Good sir, why do you start, and seem to fear/ Things that do sound so fair(I.iii.58-59)? Macbeth ponders what would happen if the murder scheme fails, and discusses this possibility with his wife. As Macbeth struggles with fear in the presence of Lady Macbeth, she constantly reassures him that there is nothing to fear and that the murder will be for the better. This fear demonstrates that Macbeth realizes the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, and the consequences thereof. However, theShow MoreRelatedMacbeth and His Down fall1613 Words   |  7 Pagesdisastrous. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, there are two factors that contributed to Macbeths ruin. One of them being more to blame: The influential character of Lady Macbeth displaying temptation towards Macbeth, or Macbeths own ambitious and insecure nature. There are questions whether Macbeths downfall might have displayed more for his own blame. In closer examination, it will be come apparent that Macbeth is more to blame for his downfall. 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