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Zoha Awan

Mrs. Linnerth

ENG3UI

Nov 1rst, 2019

The Obsession Of Macbeth That Lead To His Downfall

Macbeth wasn’t always as evil, and power-obsessed throughout the whole play, his obsession for

power increased gradually. Macbeth's fear of being degraded leads to him becoming extremely

selfish, greedy, and obsessed. “We will proceed no further in this business. He hath honored me

of late, and I have bought Golden opinions from all sorts of people, Which would be worn now

in their newest gloss, Not cast aside so soon.” (I,7, 32-35). To begin, Macbeth's obsession begins

with power when he encounters the witches, which changes everything for him, and leads him to

kill King Ducan. “Stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more. By Sinel’s death I know I am

thane of Glamis. But how of Cawdor? The thane of Cawdor lives.” (I,3,4). In this quote Macbeth

is speaking to the witches, and is wanting to know more about his future of being king and when

he will become king. He is so obsessed with the idea that he will become king and this encounter

with the witches pushes his desire to become what they say he will. Macbeth wants to feel like

he’s the most powerful. Secondly, Macbeth is also obsessed with the feeling of security, therefore

he will kill anything that gets in his way. “Your spirits shine through you. Within this hour at

most I will advise you where to plant yourselves, Acquaint you with the perfect spy o' the'

time.”(III,1,6). Banquo was aware of Macbeth killing King Ducan. In an attempt to cheat death,

Macbeth is so worried about losing the throne that he is even willing to kill his best friend. This

proves that Macbeth will cross any limit to feel secure. And lastly, Macbeth's ambition leads him
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to become obsessed with success. “The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step On which I must

fall down, or else o'erleap, For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black

and deep desires. The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be Which the eye fears, when it is done,

to see.” (1.4.55-60). Macbeth describes his ambition as being "black and deep desires”. He

strives so hard to keep his place as king and does not let anything get in his which leads him to

become heartless, ignorant which ultimately outcomes as his downfall. In conclusion, Macbeth's

greed and selfishness lead to his obsession for power, security, and success which in the long run

was the reasoning for his downfall.