The Fall of Macbeth Macbeth, the main character of William Shakespeare's tragedy, Macbeth was not secure in his manhood. This insecurity led to Macbeth's downfall because he felt the need to prove himself to Lady Macbeth. After proving his worth by killing Duncan, Macbeth became desensitized to murder. At the beginning of the play Macbeth shows his love for Lady Macbeth in many different ways. He told her his feelings towards her "My dearest love" (Act I, Scene v, Ln. 58). Macbeth listens to what Lady Macbeth has to say and takes her advice into consideration whenever he makes a decision. He also has great love for her and tries his best to make her happy no matter what it takes. Lady Macbeth convinced Macbeth that he would not be a man unless he carried out Duncan's murder. He threatens his manhood by saying that when you dared to do that, then you were a man; And for being more than you were, you would be all the more a man (Act I, Scene vii, Ln. 49-51). Slowly Lady Macbeth manipulated his mind into believing that the right thing to do was to kill Duncan. Macbeth had decided, to demonstrate his virility, that he had to carry out this horrible act. After Macbeth committed the crime he felt that his soul could never be cleansed, no matter what he did. He said my eyes were gouged out! Will all the great ocean of Neptune wash this blood from my hand? NO; this hand of mine rather embodies the many seas, making the green red (Act II, Scene iii, Ln. 58-62). This shows that he didn't actually want to kill Duncan, but he did it to prove his worth to Lady Macbeth and to become king. In the end he was not afraid and had killed not only Duncan but many other people as well. He now had different views than he had at the beginning of the show. Macbeth realizes that he is no longer afraid "no, nor fearful anymore" (Act V, Scene vii, Ln. 9). He's now considered a man, but he doesn't like the fact that he killed all these people. he's a little afraid of himself and can't realize how horrible a monster he has become. Macbeth proved his worth to Lady Macbeth by killing, but ultimately failed to accept the man he had become the death of his love, Lady Macbeth, which was the original reason he felt the need to prove himself. Love is a powerful force, and people act irrationally when under its spell. Lady Macbeth's love inevitably leads to Macbeth's downfall You have an organized document with good use of your quotes. Your arguments need further analysis. Ask yourself why Lady Macbeth manipulates Macbeth and why Macbeth allows himself to be manipulated. Are there other factors that lead to Macbeth's downfall? insecure? How does their love change during the show? Does Lady Macbeth continue to manipulate Macbeth throughout the play? Why is Macbeth afraid of himself? 2. When quoting quotes, capitalize Act, Scene, and Line. Line numbers should be included in your citation.