Essay – To What Extent Is Macbeth Responsible For His Own Downfall

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to be, or not to be, that is the question.

To what extent is Macbeth responsible for his own downfall?

In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macbeth is the tragic hero whose ambition is his tragic flaw. Macbeth is partially responsible for his downfall because of his self-induced thoughts, predominantly the initial thought of killing Duncan in order to become king. Macbeth is not entirely responsible for his downfall as his responsibility is delineated by what he is able to consciously control. His responsibility is extenuated because the three witches and Lady Macbeth majorly contributed to his downfall by manipulating him and influencing his actions and decisions; ultimately reducing his responsibility as he is portrayed as being an amenable character.