How Does The Paranoia Contribute To The Downfall Of Macbeth

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In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are driven by ambition and a desire for power, ultimately leading to their tragic downfalls. Macbeth's ambition to become king drives him to murder Duncan, but his increasing guilt and fear of being caught contribute to his descent into madness and his eventual downfall. Three points in the play that highlights the degeneration of Macbeth's character are: After becoming king, Macbeth's paranoia leads him to order the murder of Banquo and his son Fleance. In Act III, Scene 1, Macbeth says, "There are daggers in men's smiles: the near in blood, / The nearer bloody" (III.1.139-140), expressing his mistrust of those around him. This paranoia eventually leads to the murder of Banquo

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