The Downfall of Macbeth
Macbeth is at Fault for his Own Downfall
Macbeth has a tendency to not actually care about anyone but himself, which causes him to make rash decisions without evaluating the repercussions of his actions. Even though, at the beginning, Macbeth is having second thoughts about murdering Duncan, he understands that he will have do anything to reach his destiny of being king, even if that means killing the one person who believes in him the most.
Macbeth's guilt of considering killing Duncan is making him reevaluate right from wrong. He says, "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself and falls on the other- " (Act 1 Scene 7). Macbeth's conscious is catching up with him, and he hasn't even killed Duncan yet. Macbeth openly admits he may be making a terrible decision, but he also believes that he is capable of killing Duncan without causing any trouble later on because he thinks it's destined for him to be the king. At this point all Macbeth needs is a little reassurance and manipulation to confirm that he should go along with his gut feeling, that killing Duncan is his only chance at becoming King.
At this point in the story, Macbeth is thoroughly convinced that what has to be done so he can live up to the prophecies predictions, is making sure the king is dead. He says, "Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? come, let me clutch thee!" (Act 2 Scene 1). Macbeth is imagining a knife hanging in the air in front of him, which prompts him to lead himself into Duncan's room, draw his own knife, and kill the king. At this point in the story, the only thing that could prevent Macbeth from making a rash decision is himself. Macbeth has complete confidence in himself, and truly believes that he wont be caught with murder because he is meant to be king soon. This is the reason he continues killing throughout the rest of the story, and refuses to let anything get in his way of the thrown.
Macbeth doesn't think he has to worry about losing to the armies. He has become so drunk with power, that he allowed the witches trick him. He says, "Then fly, false thanes, and mingle with the English epicures. The mind I sway by and the heart I hear shall never sag with doubt nor shake with fear" (Act 5 Scene 3). Macbeth believes that he is invincible, and he even mocks the armies coming for believing they could ever defeat him. Macbeth is too self-absorbed to read between the lines, which makes him at fault for his own downfall.