Throughout History civilizations have risen and fallen based on the incessant need of leaders to conquer and gain land, authority, and riches. One great example of such an over extension can be found in the Roman Empire. Eventually their armies advanced so far that they could no longer defend their homeland because they ruled too much land. For every fact such as this, there is also at least one fictional interpretation of like events and the imperfect men behind them. Shakespeare wrote many works that illustrate such proceedings. One of the masters of classic literature, he always makes statements, both subtle and discrete, which display the fallibility of man through his incredible plays. In Macbeth, Shakespeare wanted to show how man could be compromised by excessive strides for power. While many would argue that he set out to prove how easily influenced and corrupted men can become, the former is the more prominent and as such the most realistic explanation for Macbe!
             th's eventual political and moral downfall.
             From the beginning, Macbeth is portrayed as the fearless soldier, one who defeated the rebel Macdonwald and "fixed his head upon our battlements. (1.2,25)" He is a hero to his countrymen and a source of great fear to his Norwegian enemy. There is no confusion in Shakespeare's language as he shows Macbeth's potential for future leadership through the witches. When the witches said "All hail Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis...Thane of Cawdor...that shalt be king hereafter!(1.3,51-53)" it immediately planted an idea in Macbeth's head. Soon, Macbeth realizes that he is in a place of great stature and with a little imagination he fancies himself in a position of even more power. Macbeth is impulsive as he begins to plan for his sudden rise to prominence and after meeting with Duncan, being presented with the title of Cawdor and getting a glimpse of royal life, fame, and fortu...