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Confidence In Macbeth

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Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, is about a man who lets his greed overpower his judgment and eventually falls to his demise. Shakespeare reveals Macbeth’s greatest character flaw through the theme that overconfidence can lead to immoral behavior when ambition clouds one’s integrity. For example, Shakespeare highlights Macbeth’s overconfidence to help explain its dangers. This overconfidence is seen when Macbeth claims “no man that’s born of a woman/ Shall [ever] have power upon thee” (Crowther, 5.3.6-7). Later, Macbeth comes face to face with Macduff and denies any fear because his life “must not yield/ To one of woman born” (Crowther, 5.8.12-13). By believing the witches’ prophecy that declares Macbeth undefeatable by any man he will encounter, Macbeth exhibits his self-assurance. Ultimately, …show more content…

In addition, Shakespeare develops the theme through the illustration of Macbeth’s hubristic traits. When Macbeth speaks to the doctor, he exposes his overconfidence by asserting he will “never sag with doubt nor shake with fear” (Crowther, 5.3.11). Although Macbeth is stating his power and courage, he leaves himself more vulnerable because of his refusal to believe he can be defeated. Macbeth believes he can have a more aggressive approach when handling conflicts because of his self-pride, which leads him defenseless when he finally encounters Macduff. Macbeth’s aggressive and ambitious behavior blinds him from his morals, making his overconfidence his greatest character flaw. Furthermore, Shakespeare emphasizes Macbeth’s blind ambition to show that overconfidence can lead to an abandonment of morals. When he sees the third apparition, Macbeth highlights his ambition by declaring to “crown [his] thoughts with acts” (Crowther, 4.1.155). Macbeth is conditioned to believe he is able to get away with anything he does because he has not yet been confronted by a stronger

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