the crime. Macduff then informs Macbeth that he was not born of a woman, but was “untimely ripped” from his mother’s womb. Macbeth now realizes that what the witches have told him was half-true and that indeed their prophecies contained a double meaning.Macbeth’s tragic end finally comes to pass with Macduff’s victory during their sword fight. During their quarrel, Macduff calls Macbeth a coward, kills him, and cuts off his head. Macduff then proclaims Malcolm as the rightful heir to the Scottish throne and the play ends with Malcolm’s coronation speech promising a new and peaceful kingdom from his reign as the new King of Scotland.Macbeth is a tragic hero because he has the potential for greatness, but his greed and lust for power undercut it. The prophecies of the witches provide the spark by which Macbeth’s soul is set on fire. Loyalty becomes treachery and friends become enemies. Lady Macbeth’s own husband neglects even her own death. Macbeth’s road to ruin is twisted and branching. He is offered chances to reverse his course and save himself, but he chooses to stick to the path of personal ambition. The play finally comes full circle. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth defends the king from those who would overthrow him. In the end Macbeth, who has taken the crown by blood and deceit, is overthrown and rightful rule is restored....
