Essay Sample: Who Is Responsible For Macbeth's Downfall

Who is at fault for Macbeth's actions? Macbeth's life events occurred as a result of his own acts, not as a result of the witches' prophecies, as is commonly assumed. Among the reasons I believe he is accountable for his life's events are the fact that he emphasizes his destiny to be king, and that, regardless of his behavior, he will eventually become king. However, while the prophecy may have played a role in Macbeth's resolve to murder King Duncan, it was his own poor judgment that ultimately led to Duncan's death. Macbeth slew Banquo and plotted the killing of his son in order to keep his throne from being usurped by his enemies. Despite the fact that the prophecy may have influenced him, it was his own terrible decision that finally led to Banquo's demise. As a result of his decisions, Macbeth  is accountable for the events that transpire in his life; the witches may have provoked him, but they are not to bear blame.

It is Banquo’s explanation that he is doomed to be king and that, regardless of his deeds, he will succeed his father as king. The play Macbeth's Act I, Scene III, states "If chance will have me king, then chance may crown me without my stir."  (Macbeth). These lines are mentioned by Macbeth in passing while he is with his devoted buddy Banquo, which lends credibility to my thesis statement. For better or worse, he believes in destiny and that prophecy will create the circumstances necessary for him to ascend to the throne without his direct involvement.

However, while the prophecy may have played a role in Macbeth's resolve to murder King Duncan, it was his own poor judgment that ultimately led to Duncan's death. According to Macbeth's Act II, Scene II,  "I have done the deed. Did thou not hear a noise?” (Macbeth). This clarifies my argument since he is suggesting that he does not want to become familiar with the monstrous creature he has transformed into if he completely comprehends what he has done and how he came to be in that state.

Macbeth assassinated Banquo and plotted the killing of his son in order to keep his throne from being usurped by his enemies. Despite the fact that the prophecy may have influenced him, it was his own terrible decision that finally led to Banquo's demise. Stated in Act III, Scene 1 of Macbeth, "It must be done tonight, away from the palace. Always remember that I must be free from suspicion". (Macbeth).  My thesis is strengthened by this quotation since Macbeth persuades the assassins to kill Banquo by convincing them that Banquo is their rival. 

If the witches' prophecy is taken as a whole, it is possible to claim that the events of Macbeth's life and death are thoroughly explained. Neither Macbeth's acts nor his inactivity were responsible for the occurrence of these events. Because, while Macbeth may have intended to do what was best for him in light of the predictions, he nonetheless made the heinous decision to murder people despite the fact that he was fully aware that he did not have to do so in order to fulfill his destiny. This is where the flaw in this argument lies. After some time, he devolved into a deranged and terrible individual.

After careful consideration, it emerges that Macbeth's actions, rather than the witches' forecasts, were responsible for the events that transpired in his life.