Macbeth is a loyal, good soldier for Duncan and Scotland. However, he is also a very ambitious man, Macbeth’s downfall begins with his desire to be king, which leads him to murder, then more murder due to his guilt and fear. Besides killing the King, Macbeth also murdered his best friend Banquo and several innocent loyal subjects to Scotland. Order is restored to Scotland when Macbeth is killed by Macduff.
Macbeth’s downfall is caused by his excessive ambition. Macbeth kills the King even though he was rewarded by him for being a good soldier. Macbeth has wealth and respect. He has no reason to kill Duncan other than his “vaulting” ambition. In addition, Lady Macbeth and the witches spark the ambitious nature in Macbeth. He should not have obeyed and believed them. Ultimately, this foreshadows Macbeth’s downfall as a result of his ambition.
Macbeth downfall is also caused by his apprehension. Even though he becomes king, he still has anxiety that his kingdom one day will revolt, so he starts hunting to kill his competitors. First, he sends a murderer to kill his best friend Banquo and his son. Fortunately, the son, Fleance escapes. Second, when he hears that Macduff went to Malcolm, he kills Macduff’s wife and young son to avenge him. His response to every problem is violence and murder. However, Macbeth is never comfortable in his role as a criminal; he is unable to bear the psychological of his atrocities.
Ambition can lead people to great outcomes, but too much ambition can lead to bad results, this is shown in Macbeth’s family, life, and kingdom. His ambition ends with death. If we plant envy, we will reap trouble.
