Macbeth - Why Is Responsible for his Downfall?

Question

I'm supposed to write an essay about "Who or what is responsible for Macbeth's fownfall. Is he wholly responsible for his actions or are outside influences to blame?"

I've said that he's completely responsible and that as humans we make our own choices, then I went to the possible arguments. I said that some would argue that the witches or Lady Macbeth were responsible, and argued against that. I also said that a major fault of Macbeth is his greed.

Here's my problem...my essay is only 1/3 how long it's supposed to be, and I don't know what else to write. If you have any ideas...HELP!! (And I'm not going to change my point of view...that would probably be easier...but I've already started this).

Oops...sorry, I just realized that the title shoudl say "who". Anyway...

Answer 1

Thank you, first of all, for actually having done something yourself. :)

Even though literature theory does not strictly go by that anymore, make a reference to the Elizabethan world view (key word: chain of being), if you have dealt with Shakespeare, I am sure that came up as well.

If you have done something on that, you could include drama theory as well: the tragic hero "has to" fall in a classic drama and does so for one particular reason: hybris (greek word). You might want to wikipedia... (is that a verb already like to google?) the term to get a better idea of what it means.

Third, you can always put some more into your essay by referring to the text, as in giving examples for your point of view by quoting a line or referring to a certain act, scene etc. "Even though it could be argued Lady Macbeth plays a part in Macbeth´s downfall, the scene XY clearly proves otherwise. Here, Lady Macbeth .... " etc.

If you still need some more, you could point to the effects the fact that it is entirely his fault has on the viewer - back then or today. If it is entirely his fault, what does that make me realize/think about/learn...?

So by the way, your position is right (it is his fault) and you shouldn´t change it. ;)

Answer 2

Take specific lines where Macbeth admits he is to blame for all of his woes and expand his confession. Also look at how others view him and expand on the comments they made as well. Sounds like a good paper though just needs specific reasons and responses. Good Luck!

Answer 3

I did Macbeth just last year, and I got a smilar essay question as well. In my opinion, pick any character that looks suitable enough for Macbeth's downfall, and explain it really well, and support it with evidence. In my essay question, it told us to pick either fate or faith and try to explain it. I guess you could argue that lady macbeth, since she tempts him so much. I;m not sure about the witches, though.

Answer 4

nicely, Macbeth did no longer might desire to take heed to lady Macbeth whilst she instructed him to kill King Duncan. and no one compelled him to have self assurance the unusual Sisters (they're under no circumstances pointed out as witches). yet, nonetheless, if lady Macbeth had no longer instructed him to kill Duncan and if the unusual Sisters had no longer tricked him with their prophecies, he could have lived an entire life of honour and understand. So, in fact, it grow to be the fault of the girls human beings that Macbeth suffered.

Answer 5

Macbeth was responsible for his own downfall. The decisions he made were his. Macbeth is a good metaphor for the wisdom of choosing.

Answer 6

to make it longer, try giving specific examples from the story that help prove your point, use quotes, paraphrase and summarize. it definitely helps. you can also try seeing the other side of the argument, and talk about that for a while, but coming back to your original thoughts in the end.