Table of ContentsMacbeth's ambition and desire for powerExternal influencesConclusionMacbeth, one of William Shakespeare's most famous tragedies, tells the story of a nobleman's descent in madness and tyranny. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth is a brave and loyal warrior, but as the story progresses, he is consumed by ambition and lust for power, which ultimately leads to his downfall. The question of who is responsible for Macbeth's downfall has been the subject of much debate and discussion among scholars and literary critics. Some argue that Macbeth's actions and decisions are to blame, while others point the finger at outside influences, such as witches and Lady Macbeth. In this essay, we will explore the various factors that contributed to Macbeth's downfall and ultimately determine who bears the greatest responsibility. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Macbeth's Ambition and Desire for PowerOne of the major contributing factors to Macbeth's downfall was his own ambition and desire for power. From the beginning of the play, it is clear that Macbeth is ambitious and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. When he first hears the witches' prophecy that he will become king, he is immediately absorbed by the idea and begins to think about how he can make it a reality. This ambition drives him to commit heinous acts, such as the murder of King Duncan, in order to secure his position on the throne. Additionally, Macbeth's moral weakness and susceptibility to manipulation also played a significant role in his downfall. Despite his initial reluctance to engage in betrayal, he is easily swayed by the manipulative words of his wife, Lady Macbeth. She questions his masculinity and challenges his resolve, ultimately convincing him to carry out the murderous plot. This suggests that Macbeth's moral sense is easily compromised, making him vulnerable to the influence of others. External Influences In addition to Macbeth's own actions and decisions, external influences also played a crucial role in his downfall. The witches, for example, sow the initial seed of ambition in Macbeth's mind by prophesying that he will become king. Although it can be argued that the witches do not directly force Macbeth to act, their prophecies ignite the spark of ambition within him and set in motion the wheels of his downfall. Similarly, Lady Macbeth's manipulation and incessant encouragement also contribute to Macbeth's downfall. She questions his masculinity and his determination, ultimately persuading him to commit murder in order to achieve his ambitions. His influence on Macbeth is undeniable and his role in his descent into madness cannot be overlooked.ConclusionIn conclusion, it is clear that multiple factors contributed to Macbeth's downfall. Although Macbeth's ambition and moral weakness played a significant role, outside influences such as witches and Lady Macbeth also contributed to his downfall. Ultimately, it was a combination of these factors that led to Macbeth's tragic demise. However, it is important to recognize that Macbeth himself bears ultimate responsibility for his actions and decisions. His ambition and moral weakness may have been manipulated by outside influences, but ultimately it is his own choices that seal his fate. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now..