Fatalism in Macbeth

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Fatalism: Uncontrolled Destiny

People have many different ways of viewing destiny. For example, some people believe in Existentialism, which is where a persons personal choices affect the outcome of their lives. Others believe in Fatalism, which means your destiny is unalterable and preordained. William Shakespeare believed in fatalism, which is shown through many of his plays. The most distinct examples of fatalism are found in his play, Macbeth. Macbeth shows that once your destiny is predetermined it is not in your power to change it.

Macbeth’s destiny is told to him by the Weird Sister’s, “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!”(1.3.53). He comes to the realization that the only way to become king, is if he kills the reigning king. However, he has difficulty accepting this, and attempts to do away with this plan, “We will proceed no further in this business”(1.7.34). Unfortunately, he is unable to prevent the outcome of his future. His destiny was established and he could do nothing to hinder it.

Macbeth is told by the witches that, “none of woman born shall harm [him]”(4.1.91-92). Macbeth, believing there can be no other kind of man, goes on with his life ignoring that detail of his fate. He does nothing to try and prevent this from taking place. When Macduff comes to fight Macbeth, Macbeth trusts that his destiny is and will remain true, “As easy mayst thou the intrenchant air with they keen sword impress as make me bleed….I bear a charmed life, which must not yield to one of woman born”(5.8.12-16). He is, ironically, not afraid of Macduff, contrary to his fate as told by the witches. Macduff tells him that he was in fact not naturally born of woman and Macbeth realizes that his destiny has come true. Macbeth struggles to put up a fight but can not deny his destiny.

Macbeth shows that once your destiny is predetermined it is not in your power to change it. Macbeth is evidence that your destiny, once established, can not be altered or stopped in any way. Macbeth’s destiny was told to him and even though he was in denial, he realizes in the end that destiny is powerful.

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