We see in the play Macbeth that when the motivation to succeed in life becomes overpowering, other people may easily influence one and elements and one may decide on wrongful actions to achieve a goal. Some of the influences on Macbeth include the witches and the apparitions, Lady Macbeth, and lastly Macbeth's own insecurities and misguided attempts to control his future. The witches and their prophecies are the first major influence on Macbeth's actions. Macbeth …showed first 75 words of 858 total…

…showed last 75 words of 858 total…for his ambition to be realized. Both these influences help lead to Macbeth's eventual failure and death. His insecurities lead Macbeth to rash actions to get rid of his perceived enemies, actions that he later often regrets. Therefore, he is led to murder Banquo and Macduff's family and others all the while relying on the apparitions' prophecies that he will be safe. Only in the end does he realize he has been misled and betrayed.