Macbeth's Downfall Of A Tragic Play

One of the fundamental aspects of a tragic play is the inevitable downfall of the tragic hero due to a flaw in judgement, known as hamartia. In William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, Macbeth suffers from hubris and excessive ambition, which subverts his rationality and triggers a series of events leading to his downfall. Despite the witches introducing Macbeth to the idea of being king and Lady Macbeth violently urging him to immorally gain his royal status, Macbeth is entirely responsible for his downfall because he is too easily manipulated, lustful for power, and overly ambitious. Macbeth is too easily manipulated, specifically by the witches’ prophecies and by Lady Macbeth’s pressuring words. When the witches first prophesy that Macbeth is to be king, he responds with “Stay, you imperfect speakers. Tell me more./ By Sinel’s death I know I am Thane of …show more content…
After Duncan announces Malcolm as “Prince of Cumberland,” or heir to the throne, Macbeth admits that he has “black and deep desires” (Shakespeare, 1.4; 58) to take the throne from Malcolm. Macbeth values being king over his friendship with Duncan. Similarly, the bond of friendship shared between Macbeth and Banquo is pushed aside for Macbeth’s kingship. Macbeth’s belief that “To be thus is nothing,/ But to be safely thus. Our fears in Banquo/ Stick deep, and in his royalty of nature/ Reigns that which would be feared” (Shakespeare, 3.1; 52-55) highlights not only the possible threat that Banquo poses to Macbeth’s ascent to the throne, but also the insecurity Macbeth feels about his lineage keeping a royal status. Even after killing Banquo, Macbeth is still anxious about Banquo’s sons claiming the throne. After meeting with the witches for the second time, Macbeth asks, “Tell me, if your art/ Can tell so much: shall Banquo’s issue ever/ Reign in this kingdom?” (Shakespeare, 4.1;