“I have no spur / To prick the sides of my intent, but only / Vaulting ambition…” Is Macbeth’s ambition his only weakness?
Macbeth’s strong ambition is portrayed as one of his greatest weaknesses; however other flaws in his character frequently affect him throughout Shakespeare’s Macbeth. As Macbeth advances in his endeavours to rule the kingdom of Scotland, he is plagued by uncertainty while he attempts to maintain a façade of nobility and integrity. This is torn down by Macbeth’s tyrannical behaviour, caused by insecurities he has as he battles with a guilty conscience. Easily tempted, he also readily gives into the witches and Lady Macbeth, influencing him to desire more than what he truly deserves. Macbeth is initially motivated by his determination for power and glory, but he becomes defensive and only continues his regime out of fear for what may become of him.
Macbeth repeatedly displays his inability to overcome his personal greed throughout the play. As he realises the legitimacy of the three witches’ work, Macbeth attempts to use them by taking an unprecedented interest in witchcraft, initially exciting the witches. Hecate, however, is able to see beyond this and reminds the witches that he is “Spiteful and wrathful, who, as others do, loves for his own ends, not for you.” (Act III Scene II) This is emphasised when Banquo asks “Good sir, why do you start and seem to fear things that do sound so fair?” (Act I Scene III) after encountering the witches for the first time, revealing Macbeth has already entertained the thought of becoming the King of Scotland. As the play is based on a true story, it is known Macbeth is the third in line to the throne after King Duncan’s sons, Malcolm and Donaldbain, suggesting he may have hidden behind the character of a noble soldier merely to impress Duncan. This inference is supported by Macbeth’s unfavourable reaction when he learns Malcolm has been named the heir to the throne. While he had been awarded with the title of Thane of Cawdor and secured his position as Thane of Glamis, Macbeth demonstrates his discontent when he states “The Prince of Cumberland: that is a step on which I must fall down, or else o’erleap, for in my way it lies.” (Act I Scene IV) Macbeth’s greed amplifies his strong ambitions, but it consequently forces him to become over-protective and to question everybody around him.
As his title as King becomes increasingly precious, Macbeth evokes a strong sense of vulnerability. Macbeth consistently undermines his illusion of integrity as he is clouded by a guilty conscience repeatedly acknowledging Duncan as a good King, both before and after the murder. This causes him to become insecure and he is no longer able to trust anyone around him, especially Macduff. After everyone discovers the death of King Duncan, Macbeth panics and says “Oh yet, I do repent me of my fury that I did kill them” (Act II Scene III), revealing he murdered the King’s private servants in an attempt to demonstrate his outrage towards the situation. Inadvertently, he causes Macduff to immediately become suspicious of him, so Macbeth resolves to “keep a servant feed.” (Act III Scene IV) Macbeth aims to further console himself when he visits the three witches for more information, but they warn him to be wary of Macduff, giving more cause for alarm. When he states “From this moment, the very firstlings of my heart shall be the very firstlings of my hand,” (Act IV Scene II) Macbeth finally admits his suspicions towards others, believing he must kill anyone who may unravel his regime. Macbeth’s state of mind is incredibly fragile and this is exploited by other characters in the play with ease.
Macbeth is often indecisive and is manipulated into various situations by others. He demonstrates a lack of independence when making decisions, allowing others to use him without bearing consequences on themselves. Before murdering King Duncan, Macbeth expresses his reservations towards killing a good King, but is easily coaxed back when his wife challenges his manhood, as well as his love for her, conceding that “I dare do all that may become a man.” (Act I Scene VII) Macbeth is even influenced in the face of death, where Macduff aggravates him into a combat that would end his life. Macbeth had been told by the three witches that no one born from a woman would ever kill him, but he finds out Macduff was prematurely delivered by Caesarean section, technically making it possible for him to kill Macbeth. While it would have been wiser to concede this encounter, Macbeth is provoked when he proclaims “Then yield thee coward” (Act V Scene VIII) and enters the combat knowing he will die. Macbeth’s warrior-like instincts and delicate mindset are appealed to by the other characters effortlessly, making him particularly vulnerable to the actions and words of others.
Throughout Shakespeare’s play, an inner struggle occurs within Macbeth, between his desires, his conscience and his personality. It is this personal conflict that ultimately causes his demise and thus is his greatest weakness.
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