Who Is Ultimately Responsible for the Tragedy of Mackbeth

Who is ultimately responsible for the tragedy of Macbeth? It could be said that Macbeth ´s strive for power affects every aspect of his life, and this motivation eventually leads to his demise. Many different factors play a pivotal role in deciding his ill-fated future. With his wife ´s cajoling, and the three witches ´ foretelling of his future, Macbeth, will stop at nothing to gain position as King of Scotland. It could be said that Lady Macbeth is responsible. She bullies him, emotionally blackmails him and knows he is morally sensitive so he must be pushed. She mocks his bravery and knows he is a warrior and will be insulted. When Macbeth is having doubts she says: When you durst do it, then you were a man; And to be more†¦show more content†¦In Shakespeare s time however, the audience would have been really afraid. Could such characters of really been responsible for the tragedy of Macbeth. Shakespeare prompts the audience to ponder whether the witches are crazed hags who are excluded from society whom only speak what they know or are they manipulative. It comes apparent that they can tell the future when one of the witches says Be lion-mettled, proud, and take no care Who chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are; Macbeth shall never vanquished be, until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsaine Hill Shall come against him. Act IV, Scene I This of course being a prediction of the attack from England. This was misleading information because they tell Macbeth that the only threat he has is if Great Burnam Wood comes to Dunsaine Hill, which doesn t sound possible. However, the witches warn Macbeth of his dimise by warning him: Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff! Beware the thane of Fife! Dismiss me. Enough. Act IV, Scene I The witches also trick Macbeth into believing he is immortal by saying none of woman born shall harm Macbeth. This, as the reader finds out in the end of the play, really means that no one conventionally born of woman shall kill