Macbeth Was Responsible for His Own Downfall Essay

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Macbeth is the driving force behind Macbeth's downfall

Lady Macbeth? The driving force behind Macbeth's downfall? Certainly not. Macbeth was completely and solely responsible for all the acts of great evil which were to lead to his downfall, and to even suggest the blame can be shifted on his wife is ludicrous. From his very first meeting with the witches, Macbeth's mind became instantly plagued with thoughts of murder and treachery. The guilty start that Banquo noticed: "Good sir, why do you start, and seem to fear Things that do sound so fair?…"

showed us that the thought of murder was already at the back of his mind. This showed us that Macbeth could not have been as honourable and …show more content…
However, as in all the other scenes when Macbeth has being scared or confused, Lady Macbeth takes over. It's as if she knows she has to be strong for the both of them, and she always does her best to restore Macbeth's confidence when he is feeling depressed, regardless of how she is feeling. She is well aware that the statement "A little water clears us of this deed"

is not in the least bit true. It is said in an attempt to make light of the situation, and to reassure Macbeth, and herself.
Later on, Act 2 Scene 3, Macbeth kills Duncan's guards, so that the crime can be blamed on them, putting them in a position in which they would be unable to defend themselves. Disturbingly, we see how murder seems to be becoming easier and easier for Macbeth, and he kills the guards almost impulsively, and this time with no support from his wife.
Then, in Act 3 Scene 1, Macbeth decides that Banquo and Fleance will have to die. He seems to plot their murders with ease, and apparently feels no guilt while doing so. Yet again, his wife remains "ignorant of the knowledge". He alarms her by conjuring up dreadful images, and just like the scene with the imaginary dagger seems to enjoy them in some kind of sick, twisted way.
Macbeth and his wife have a very strange, unbalanced relationship. It seem when Macbeth is feeling anxious and depressed, she acts as his support, and puts on a brave face for him. However, when Macbeth is in control of the
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