Macbeth

            Macbeth, a story about betrayal, deceit, vengeance and treachery, all for the craving of power and dominance. It is one of Shakespeare's more popular plays as its themes and story line of power hungry villains have been used countless times in television and theatre.
             The downfall of Macbeth himself can be seen in two different lights, the first being that his rise to power and eventually his fall is the sole responsibility of the witches and his wife Lady Macbeth. The second being Macbeth is entirely at fault himself.
             Lady Macbeth along with the witches was written into the story to be portrayed as villains by the audience. Women at the time were inferior to men and witches were blamed for all unnatural events. The opening scene of the witches coven lets the audience see that the main villains in this story are the three witches as they begin to plot Macbeths downfall. .
             The first time the audience is introduced to Lady Macbeth the scene is a negative on as she reads the letter from Macbeth and begins to plot against King Duncan. This scene detracts from Macbeths actual part in the murder as it leaves a lasting impression on the audience that Lady Macbeth is willing to commit treason. Her ambitious nature and her willingness to see the witches prophecy come true for Macbeth sees her call upon the metaphysical world to rid her of her feminine qualities as she knows that Macbeths nature would prevent the prophecy coming true, with the words,.
             Come, you spirits, that tend on mortal thoughts.
             Unsex me here and fill me from crown to the .
             toe topfull of direst cruelty .
             She sees kind-heartedness and compassion as essentially feminine qualities and belive they are worthless when the time for action is needed.
             The witches had provided the temptation for Macbeth at the beginning and later on in the play when they meet again, this time with Hectate, they feed his thirst for more prophecies, using apparitions.