Macbeth
Agnes Bartosik Agnes 1
Mrs. Milani
ENG 3U
December 8, 2008
The Downfall of Macbeth
English poet, William Shakespeare, was considered by many to be the greatest dramatist of all time. In his time, Shakespeare was the most popular playwright of London. He created the most vigorous characters of the Elizabethan stage. He took the art of dramatic verse and made it into perfection. His usage of language showed a remarkable wit and exclusiveness. Most importantly, his themes were so universal that they eclipse generations to stir imaginations of audiences everywhere to this day. In 1605, Shakespeare wrote one of his most controversial tragedies which dealt with both witchcraft and ambition. Macbeth was written during Shakespeare’s so called “Tragic period.” Superstition and magic are a focal point in Macbeth. He wrote mystical predictions and strange witches into the play because it captivated his audience, as much as the strange phenomena still fascinates us today. It is a tragedy about a wealthy Scottish noble, Macbeth, who was weakened, seduced, and power-hungry. Many factors intertwine with one another that contribute to Macbeth’s determined end with Macbeth’s passion and ambition which drove his desire to become king to the extreme which eventually took over his better half.
What a person wants for themselves often determines their fate. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth had a noble and honourable reputation, but like any other person, he had his weak points. Macbeth’s own ambition contributed greatly to his
Agnes 2
deterioration of character which resulted into his downfall. It prevents him from becoming aware of when to stop; he is never fully satisfied as his desire for power grows:
“Upon my head they place a fruitless crown…
No son of mine succeeding. If’t it be so,
For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind;
For them the gracious Duncan I have murder’d;
…To make them kings, the seed...
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