Fate In Macbeth

There are many different ways to interpret. Fate to some is seen as something that happens with no explanation yet benefits them. Some people are willing to do anything in order to achieve certain goals they believe are imperative to their success, and call it fate. William Shakespeare demonstrates this concept throughout his play Macbeth. After being promised power by the Three Witches, Macbeth starts to believe certain things are his fate. But when this leads to regrettable actions to achieve this “fate” , it causes the reader to wonder if this really is fate, or just a man who is motivated by a delusion of false Prophecies lead to delusions that drive people to believe everything happening in their life is fate, which can’t be true about everything. Shakespeare’s perspective on fate is seen through Macbeth and Lady Macbeth and their desire to maintain the title of King.

The Three Witches begin Macbeth on his downward spiral by telling him prophecies of his future. Beginning in Act I, Scene 3, the first prophecy is introduced as “All hail Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” (page 17). During this time, the Three Witches tell Macbeth that he is to be crowned king, excluding the minor detail that this will ultimately be his downfall. Emphasizing the fact that he will be king, yet not telling him for how long or when he will become king is part of the fate aspect of this play. Shakespeare includes details of how Banquo and Duncan both pose threats to Macbeth’s place of power. Taking into consideration the prophecy foretold by the witches, Macbeth does what he sees fit, killing both Banquo and Duncan. While this seems to be an irrational decision to most people, the idea that it is his fate to be King has taken over Macbeth’s