Fate In Macbeth Essay

534 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: History plays of Shakespeare

Throughout many of Shakespeare’s famous works dark tragedies occur as often as his crafty method of foreshadowing. In Macbeth, the tragedy that occurs causes the reader to frequently question the idea of fate. The Three Weird Sisters prophesy a line of events that affect Scotland and many of its citizens throughout the rest of the play. While reading Macbeth, there is a theme in the form of a question that becomes very palpable: does fate control our destinies or do we; did the witches truly cause the tragedy or did they only plant a seed that Macbeth allowed to grow? Macbeth is proof that fate will never be the controller of our destinies, rather we are. Fate is a silly idea that is craftily displayed so that the reader must think about the story they are reading. In Act I, Captain shares his opinion of fate and its grasp on Macbeth. “And fortune, on his damned quarrel smiling,/ Showed like a rebel’s whore: but all’s too weak:/ For brave Macbeth- well he deserves that name-/ Disdaining fortune, with his brandished steel,/ Which smoked with bloody execution.” (Act I, Scene ii) In these lines, Captain is basically …show more content…

The Three Weird Sisters start the tragedy with their famous lines, “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!” “All Hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!” “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter,” (Act I, Scene iii), but they never truly do anything wrong. They do some witch-like prophesying and Macbeth’s inevitable human ways begin to arise. Macbeth never had to kill or cunningly devise evil plans, if he truly believed the witches had correctly prophesied his future; all he would have to do is sit back and wait for the prophesy to come true. Human greed is the strongest cause for betrayal and evil

Show More
Related

  • The Impact of Free Will in William Shakespeare's Macbeth

    1181 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...his wife caused Macbeth to kill the King, kill his best friend Banquo, and kill his counterpart Macduff’s family. These choices eventually caused his downfall; in the form of a beheading by Macduff. The concept of fate against free will is often examined in Macbeth, which is what Shakespeare wanted people to do, and in real life. Many people believe that everyone controls their own destiny; that the outcome of their life is based upon the decisions they make. Others conclude that people have a set path through life. Some conceive the idea that life is a mix of both, where people’s decisions have an impact on their life, just not on the outcome. The concept of “fate vs. free will” will continue to be examined, and plays like Shakespeare’s Macbeth allow people to do that.

    Read More

  • Quotes About Gender Roles In Macbeth

    1188 Words  | 3 Pages

    While the fate of the characters have all been planned, the paths they take are still of free will. In the introduction, we first hear the captain praising “brave Macbeth (well he deserves that name) / Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished steel, / Which smoked with bloody execution” (1.2). In these lines, the captain makes it sound like Macbeth is able to evade fate and fortune and escape death using his own abilities.

    Read More

  • Essay on Fate in Beowulf, Grendel, and Macbeth

    2183 Words  | 5 Pages

    Fate plays a significant role in the Old English epic poem Beowulf and William Shakespeare's play Macbeth.. The major events of the poem, such as the three killings by Beowulf and his own death, are said to have been predestined. In Macbeth, fate is so significant that it is personified by the Weird Sisters, who drive the action of the play. But if predestination exists, then there must be an agent that determines destiny. In Beowulf, God plays this role, and fate is generally accepted as God's will. In John Gardner's Grendel, a novel which serves as a commentary on the poem, fate is totally predetermined, and is the will of no being. By contrast, Macbeth's agents of fate are the Witches, who generally go against God's will.

    Read More

  • Macbeth Victim Quotes

    450 Words  | 1 Pages

    Throughout the story Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Macbeth seemed to just be a victim of “fate”. But, in the end it was clear that his character gained power over that “fate”, at least he gained power over

    Read More

  • Macbeth: Fate vs Free Will

    1200 Words  | 3 Pages

    Fate vs Free Will is one of the most oft used literary techniques in writing. It is never more evident than in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. The major theme of the story Macbeth is whether or not the story is fueled by the free will of Macbeth, or by his fate. Are the events in Macbeth a result of his mentality and outlook on life, or were they going to happen no matter what? Almost every major event that takes place can be traced back to this question. It can be viewed in different ways, and most people have their own opinions. Dissecting this question is a part of what makes teaching Macbeth still have so much value to this day. But there is a clear answer to this question upon further dissection. The story of Macbeth is fueled by his free will, which he perceives to be a necessary part of achieving his fate.

    Read More

  • Macbeth a Victim of Choice not Fate

    431 Words  | 1 Pages

    The three witches told Macbeth of his fate. Did the events in Macbeth?s life occur because of the witches? prophesy or was it because of the choices he made? Could there possibly be some of both? What caused Macbeth to fall? Was it his fate or his free will?

    Read More

  • Macbeth

    759 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...have judgment here, that we but teach/Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return/To plague th' inventor: this even-handed justice/Commends the ingredients of our poisoned chalice.” (Act 1, scene 7, Lines 8-12). It displays that he is scared that if he kills the King, he will teach the future generations to do the same thing to him and kill him. Thus, he is very disturbed and unsettled if he should continue with the murder.

    Read More

  • Fate in Macbeth

    988 Words  | 2 Pages

    Fate can be defined in many different ways. Webster's Dictionary defines fate as a power that supposedly predetermines events. Fate is synonymous with the word destiny, which suggests that events are unavoidable and unchangeable. Whatever happens in life is meant to be and cannot be changed by mankind. In Shakespeare's Macbeth, fate plays an important role in the lives of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth and Banquo.

    Read More

  • Why Do We Have Power In Macbeth

    1620 Words  | 4 Pages

    The three witches in Macbeth are not the most powerful characters in the play, nor are they the catalyst to all of Macbeth’s crimes. At a first glance, it seems that the witches were the advocators to Macbeth’s actions. However, after another look at the situation, it isn’t hard to see that the witches only pulled out Macbeth’s dark side that was hiding just below the surface, and let him destroy himself. They only

    Read More

  • The Influence Of Fate In Macbeth

    1007 Words  | 3 Pages

    How much of an influence does fate have on the ideals of a person? Is Macbeth acting out the selfish desires of his own accord? Fate is thought to be unavoidable, and all the paths of life lead to a destiny that is inescapable. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, not only is Macbeth’s hand forced in committing a murder, his fate is expedited in the process. Macbeth is in control of his own destiny, but is spurned into decisions by the Witches and his wife. Although Macbeth believes he is controlled by fate, a more thorough inspection reveals his control over all his actions.

    Read More

  • Macbeth: Predestination or Free Will?

    1031 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the context of the fictional story of Macbeth, it is hard to argue that fate was not controlling his life and actions. Many prophecies were made that seemed impossible at first, but each one came true and things happened as expected, though maybe not in the exact way or at the exact time that they were thought to. It is pretty clear throughout the narrative that the concept of fate prevails in the context of Macbeth, but once these beliefs are placed into the realm of the real world, there is a lot more room for argument. Things in real life are less certain, and there are many variables that can affect a person’s opinion on this matter. Ultimately, it comes down to a personal decision that everyone exercises their freedom of choice on to establish what they believe.

    Read More

  • Banquo And Free Will Analysis

    1044 Words  | 3 Pages

    It has been said that one’s fate lies in one’s own hands; however, when one tries to use free will to rush this fate, the consequences are dire. In the tragedy, Macbeth, Shakespeare uses the character Banquo as a foil to Macbeth to highlight the differences in their personalities and actions. Banquo embodies the belief that fate should run its course; in this way, Banquo represents nature. On the other hand, Macbeth utilizes free will to try to rush time to reach his fate faster. These characteristics are displayed as Macbeth and Banquo hear their fates from the witches and act in response to those prophecies throughout the play. The distinct characteristics of the two demonstrate the clash between fate and free will throughout Macbeth.

    Read More

  • Macbeth Fate And Supernatural Analysis

    988 Words  | 2 Pages

    Fate and supernatural are inevitably linked, they manipulate and motivate the main protagonist, Macbeth to explore tragic hero traits. The supernatural aspect of the play initially causes hubris within Macbeth. His first encounter with the supernatural force is when him and Banquo come across three strange witches, who predict their future prophecies. After Macbeth is named thane of Cawdor, one of the witches prophecies, Macbeth experiences a sudden pride and arrogance, causing him to misinterpret the meaning of fate. Macbeth attempts to master fate, taking desperate measures to assure it follows his ideal path, instead of letting it play out. Yet fate doesn't operate in such a manner, he is constantly fighting against the witches prophecies,

    Read More

  • Theme Of Deception In Macbeth

    1043 Words  | 3 Pages

    Many people throughout the play are faced with fate and fate determines the success and worth of there actions. One who is most prominently faced with fate is Macbeth. After his multitude of deceptive and betraying actions it becomes his fate for all that he is done. Macduff speaks on this as he proclaims “Hail, king! For so thou art. Behold where stands the usurper’s cursed head. The time is

    Read More

  • Essay On Human Nature In Macbeth

    857 Words  | 2 Pages

    Shakespeare clearly explores the themes ‘Fate and Free Will’, and ‘Ambition’ within this tragedy. Shakespeare weaves these themes around the character of Macbeth, showing us the depth of his insight into human society. Macbeth fell victim to his interpretation of supernatural prophecies and the influence from his wife. His impatience for the throne led to his crimes, subsequent guilt and acknowledgement of his sins. Shakespeare presents Macbeth’s life to his audience as a moral tale, warning them how men should be careful how they regard the ideas of fortune and fate and how in the end, evil intents and actions bring with them their own punishment.

    Read More

More about Fate In Macbeth Essay

Open Document