This is an interesting question, because I actually
believe that Macbeth displays many kingly virtues, especially in this last Act of the
play. However, in Act 5 scene 3 I think we can clearly see what his biggest downfall is:
his over-confidence in the prophecies that the witches gave him leading to arrogance.
Note the way that this scene begins and how it expresses Macbeth's unshakeable belief in
his own safety:
readability="12">Bring me no more reports; let them fly
all:Till Birnam wood remove to
Dunsinane,I cannot taint with fear. What's the boy
Malcolm?Was he not born of
woman?He places all of his
confidence in the "truth" of the prophecies the witches gave him, and he concludes his
opening speech with a strong ending that makes clear his resolute spirit in the face of
the betrayal of some of his lords who are defecting:readability="10">The mind I sway by, and the heart I
bear,Shall never sag with doubt, nor shake with
fear.These are noble words
and strike us as the audience with the bravery and nobility of Macbeth until we remember
that he places his confidence in black sorcery rather than something else better suited
to be the receptacle for his hopes. It is this that essentially leads to his downfall.
The arrogance that these prophecies create in him shows his lack of humilty: an
essential kingly virtue.
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