Macbeth's Tragic Downfall

Macbeth's Tragic Downfall

Leila Jazayeri November 5th, 2012

Everybody has a hero in their lives. Usually, it's someone who fights the bad guys and saves the world. In the drama Macbeth, we see a fearless brave warrior in the beginning of the book. Self-reliant, strong, and determined, Macbeth maintains these three qualities throughout the drama. Even though, as the story progresses, terrible deeds take place under the supervision of Macbeth which ultimately results in his down fall. Macbeth was once a hero of war, by the end of the story it seemed he was nothing but a ruthless monster, to one he may seem to be a tragic hero.

After a mysterious opening with three witches, a blood soaked and frail soldier is found while the king awaited the news of the battle, he applauds Macbeth greatly for his brave efforts. "For brave Macbeth-well he deserves that name- disdaining fortune, with his brandish steel, which smoked with bloody execution."(Act 2) He is praised and beloved due to his partake in the execution of Macdonwald. Brave, noble, fearless, and a hero of war. Who couldn't help but admire him? Especially when not only the king but also the entire kingdom of Scotland was praising him. Because of Macbeth they were no longer at war with Norway. Macbeth has now earned the full trust and respect of the king. Then, he is given three prophecies by the Weird Sisters. "Hail Macbeth Thane of Glamis! Hail Macbeth Thane of Cawdor! Hail Macbeth King hereafter."(Act3) Overjoyed, the king, grateful for Macbeth's brave and noble efforts, dubs him Thane of Cawdor. Admiring him from afar the king says, "True, worthy Banquo, he is so valiant, and in his commendations I am fed." When Macbeth then becomes Thane of Cawdor, the only thing on his mind was "king hereafter." Unfortunately with power comes greed.

"Behind every great man is a great woman." -Shakespeare

In the case of Macbeth, it can be argued, that Lady Macbeth was the downfall of Macbeth. As he is riding home, he delivers a message informing and explaining to her the recent events that had occurred. Immediately she began plotting, like Macbeth. Although, When Macbeth arrives with the king he reconsiders these possessed thoughts, until Lady Macbeth persuaded him to follow through with the terrible act. After Macbeth kills the king, he begins hallucinating strange things and is immune to sleep. He kills his closest friend, Banquo, and when a threat, McDuff, is brought to his attention he maliciously murders his family. Slowly, we see Macbeth's mental state deteriorate and cripple away until, it seems, he has gone completely mad.

Shakespeare did an excellent job in creating sympathy for Macbeth. He did this so that nobody would think Macbeth was a demon, but rather