The Character Flaws of Macbeth Essay - 845 Words

The Character Flaws of Macbeth Since The Tragedy of Macbeth was written there has been speculation about the cause of Macbeths downfall. Readers ponder whether Macbeths fall was caused by a flaw in his character, Lady Macbeth, or an outside force of evil. Although the witches set a certain mood and Lady Macbeth exerts a certain influence on him, Macbeths downfall is caused by his own character. Macbeths tragic flaw in character was the paradoxical pairing of his ambition with his passivity. Throughout the play we see many examples of Macbeths conflict between his ambition to attain the crown and his passive attitude towards the actions that are required to obtain it. Macbeths ambition is first†¦show more content†¦This inner conflict between ambition and passivity, or unwillingness, is later illustrated during his second encounter with the three witches. The witches apparitions cause Macbeth to be filled with a new sense of ambition and urgency: From this moment The very firstlings of my heart shall be The firstlings of my hand. And even now, To crown my thoughts with acts, be it thought and done; The castle of Macduff I will surprise; (IV, i,46-50) Only after learning that Macduff has fulfilled the last of the witches prophecies does Macbeths ambition again change to passivity and unwillingness. Macduffs taunt (Then yield thee, coward (V, viii, 23) is the only thing that arouses the last of Macbeths ambition before he agrees to fight to the death: I will not yield,/To kiss the ground before young Malcolms feet,/And to be baited with the rabbles curse (27-29). Macbeths internal combination of ambition and passivity create his susceptibility to the witchs prophecies and allow him to commit murderous deeds, but his unwillingness to take action-and to do evil-create his internal conflict that ultimately leads to his downfall. Although Lady Macbeth tries to goad Macbeth into action, it is Macbeths character flaw that causes him to take action. At first Macbeth is unwilling to murder Duncan, citing his loyalty to DuncanShow MoreRelatedMacbeth was doomed by fate or by a flaw in his character.847 Words   |  3 PagesESSAY: In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, it is very controversial whether or not Macbeth was doomed by fate or by a flaw in his character. It could be argued that Macbeth was doomed both by fate and by a flaw in his character. On one hand, the role of the witches influence could be regarded as a major external force that exploited Macbeth s character flaws. However, on the other hand, Macbeth s ambitious nature and greed for power was the flaw in his character that ultimately led toRead MoreMacbeth Response : Analytical Essay945 Words   |  4 PagesMacbeth Response: Analytical Essay The story of Macbeth is a tragic one, and his demise is mainly due to his character flaws. 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