Was Macbeth responsible for his own downfall? Eleventh century Scotland was a violent and troubled country. Feuding families and clans fought to control trade and territory. The castle was the powerbase for each warlord (Thane). Political murder and revenge killings were commonplace. Marauding Vikings and Norsemen raided constantly. Macbeth was born in 1005, son of a great family that ruled Moray and Ross. Macbeths father was murdered by his own cousins. He then married Gruach, granddaughter …showed first 75 words of 2225 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2225 total…to Dunsinane I cannot taint with fear" "Fear not, Macbeth; no man born of woman Shall e'er have power over thee.'" Overall, Macbeth was a man that allowed himself to be manipulated by people such as his wife that were crazy for power. They played on his weak points of ambition and greed to try and advance their own position. If Macbeth had more willpower, then the events of the play wouldn't have happened.