Macbeth's Downfall
Zoe Blackburn
Many people believe that Lady Macbeth is to blame about Macbeth's downfall, but I believe that 3 witches are. From the very beginning the witches have been very sneaky and suspicious. Soon Macbeth finds out that the witches didn't tell him everything, "By Sinel’s death I know I am thane of Glamis. But how of Cawdor? The thane of Cawdor lives, A prosperous gentleman, and to be king Stands not within the prospect of belief, No more than to be Cawdor" (Act 1 Scene 3). This quote proves that how deceiving the 3 withes can be by not telling Macbeth the other part of the first prophecy. After telling Macbeth that he will become king, the 3 witches tell Banquo another prophecy, "But that myself should be the root and father Of many kings. If there come truth from them— As upon thee, Macbeth, their speeches shine— ..." (Act 3 Scene 1). This quote is showing that Banquo will not become king, but his descendants will, meaning Banquo's sons would become king. Macbeth thinks of Banquo has a threat and has him killed. Third and last prophecy states that Macbeth should watch out for Macduff, " Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff. Beware the thane of Fife" (Act 4 Scene 1). After being warned about Macduff, Lennox informs Macbeth that Macduff has fled to England and has people go out and find him and kill his family. As result, the 3 witches are the one's to blame for Macbeth's downfall. All of the prophecies they make lead Macbeth to complete insanity.
Literary Devices
There are many literary devices shown throughout the book "Macbeth" to help the reader comprehend the story. One example is Symbolism: "A bell rings...I go, and it is done. The bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven or to hell" (Act 2, Scene 1). The bell that rings is a funeral bell. The funeral bell is a symbol that means it is time for Macbeth to kill Duncan. A second literary decvice in the book would be Foil: (Banquo is considered Macbeth's foil) The 3 witches told Banquo "shalt be kings, though thou be none" (Act 1, Scene 3). While Banquo is patient with the witches prophecies, Macbeth is ruthless and doesn't care. He will do absolutely everything he can to have all the power, including murder. The third and final example of a literary device is situational irony: "I go, and it is done. The bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell That summons thee to heaven or to hell" (Act 2, Scene 1). Macbeth kills Duncan to gain the throne. He will enjoy being the new King of Scotland. However, after murdering Duncan and being crowned, Macbeth cannot enjoy any part of it. He continues to kill in order to maintain power, soon to be destroyed by his own people. Although these are just a couple examples of situational irony, there are many more.
Power and Control By: Marina and the Dimonds
The song 'Power and control' by Marina and the Diamonds represents how the 3 witches prophecies made Macbeth go crazy and become power hungry. All Macbeth wants is "Power and control, I'm gonna make you fall" (Power and Control). This quote represents how Macbeth acted when wanting all the power of becoming king.
(Lyrics are from 32-40 seconds)