In a Shakespearean tragedy the protagonist rises to great heights, but through the choices and actions taken, the character is condemned to a catastrophic fall. This is perfectly illustrated in Macbeth. As Macbeth ascends he gains the Thane of Glamis, the Thane of Cawdor, and the throne of Scotland. From this plateau there is no higher earthly point for Macbeth to fall from.
Macbeth's first crucial occurrence as king was the escape of Fleance (Banquo's son) from the murderers. The second murderer even knew this was a loss to Macbeth for he says, "We [the murderers] have lost best half of our affair" (III, iv, 21). This event reinforces the witches' prophesy proclaiming, "Thou [Banquo] shall get kings, though thou be none..."(I, iii, 65). Translated, Macbeth will inevitably die, lose the line of kingship, and lose the chance to be head of dynasty. The end of this conflict begins the start of Macbeth's fall from his high estate.
Lady Macbeth by George Cattermole.
English: Poster of Thos. W. Keene in William Shake...
Erskine Sanford as King Duncan with Roddy McDowall...Macduff, the Thane of Fife, was the first to betray Macbeth. Macduff flees to England to seek help from Malcolm, son of Duncan. The noble Macduff fleeing displays Macbeth to be losing his respect as king. Once reaching his destination, Macduff tells Malcolm, the son of Duncan, "Each new moon new widows howl, new orphans cry, new sorrows strike heaven on the face, that it resounds as if it felt with Scotland, and yell'd out like syllable of dolour" (IV, iii, 4-8). During Macbeth's reigns Scotland's cries of suffering were so piercing that even the heavens hear of Scotland's woes. Both Malcolm and Macduff agree that Scotland is under great digress under Macbeth's ruling. Together, they hoped to destroy the tyrant Macbeth and to restore Scotland back to its natural order.
Another worthy Thane, Ross, dishonours Macbeth and as well...