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Transcript

The Downfall of Macbeth

FRANCESCA RAMPTON

To what extent was ambition responsible for the downfall of Macbeth?

EXTERNAL FORCES

Ambition becomes Macbeth's fatal flaw because he does not keep it in check with his morals and ethics. Although Macbeth’s initial ambition was driven by his internal desire for power, it was external forces such as the witches and lady Macbeth that tainted Macbeth towards using violence to acquire this power. Ambition was the leading cause in the downfall of Macbeth

The Prophecies

  • Throughout the play, there are many prophecies presented to Macbeth
  • ‘All hail Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Glamis… Thane of Cawdor… that shalt be king thereafter’.
  • first display of his ambition because immediately Macbeth jumps to the idea that he must kill the king to take his place
  • Macbeth starts to rely on these prophecies to determine his next actions
  • the witches claim that Macbeth will only be killed under impossible circumstances
  • Macbeth is driven to insanity because of paranoia and a guilty conscience
  • Macbeth believes that he must stop connecting his mind to his actions because will only prevent him from getting what he wants

Act 1 Scene 7

TO

KILL

OR

NOT

TO

KILL

Act 1

Scene 7

"I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition."

  • Macbeth feels conflicted over the decision of murdering Duncan
  • It is only his "vaulting ambition" that spurs him on
  • He believes that his ambition gives him the power to overcome any obstacle

The Influence of Lady Macbeth

Lady Macbeth's Influence

  • Lady Macbeth's fatal flaw is also ambition
  • provokes her husband's ambition and greed through manipulation and domination
  • She torments her husband, targeting his masculinity and pushes him to kill the King,
  • Starts to spiral out of control because of her overwhelming desire for control and power

Macbeth's Downfall

The Downfall

  • Shown countless times how he will do anything to get what he wants
  • Conscience has weekend and he feels no guilt in killing the guards
  • Macbeth starts to go mad and turn almost villainous
  • The unnecessary murders are a clear indication of the loss of control that he has on his ambition
  • Macbeth has changed from a once heroic and noble man to being known in his death as a tyrant
  • Many innocent lives are lost throughout the play

Macbeth’s fatal flaw of ambition that was driven by the prophecies made by the witches and the influence of Lady Macbeth pushed him into using violence to achieve his goals of power and expansion. His loss of control is shown through hallucinations and irrational decisions that he makes to try and preserve the new power that he holds. Near his death Macbeth relies on the predictions of the witches and this allows Macduff to target his weaknesses.

Act 3 Scene 1

Act 3

Scene 1

"They hailed him father to a line of kings. Upon my head they have placed a fruitless crown and put a barren scepter in my gripe." Macbeth

expresses strong concern that his reign will not be continued by his own bloodline.

"Mine eternal jewel, given to the common enemy of man, to make them kings."

plans to challenge fate and plots against the murder of Banquo and the rest of his family

out of control ambition because he is making irrational decisions and showing no remorse

does not care anymore about who he hurts to stay king. moral decline of Macbeth due to his spiraling ambition

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