Examples Of Free Will In Macbeth

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Fate or free will, does anyone live their life because it is their fate, or is it free will and the choices they make. We could also ask, is it a combination of both. In William Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, the character Macbeth demonstrates the idea of being tempted by fate, although ultimately free will lead to his demise. This is first seen when Macbeth talks to the witches and finally, when Macbeth continues to kill to preserve being king.

Firstly, we can identify that Macbeth believes in fate. This is apparent when the three witches say “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.” (I, iii, 50-52) When the witches say this Macbeth …show more content…
He quickly resorts to free will to make himself king. Macbeth schemes and outlines a series of events that will ultimately lead to Macbeth being crowned king. Macbeth calls to heaven and says “Stars hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.” (I, iv, 57-58). This means that Macbeth is asking heaven to look away while he considers to murder King Duncan. The fact he is asking heaven to look away means Macbeth knows what he is thinking is a sin. He then continues to carry out his plan. “I go, and it is done; The bell invites me. Hear it not, Duncan, for it is a knell. That summons thee to heaven, or to hell.”(II, i, 71-12). Here, Macbeth says “ and it is done” but the reality is he still had time to use his free will to not murder King Duncan. After the bell rings, which is his signal to go through with his plan Macbeth allows his free will to make the choice to murder Duncan. After the murder Macbeth tells Lady Macbeth “I’ll go no more: I am afraid to think what I have done” (II, ii, 65-66). This shows Macbeth is feeling guilt about the murder is just committed yet this does not stop him from continue to murder innocent people, driven by his free

Examples Of Free Will In Macbeth

we obtain control. In Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Macbeth, there remains a question as to whether or not Macbeth is driven by fate or free will. Throughout the play Macbeth, written by Shakespeare, Macbeth acts upon the prophecies given to him by three witches. Some may consider the satisfaction of these witches' expectations as a reasonable sign that Macbeth's way is a destined one, bound to happen. Instead, the witches' prophecies for Macbeth, his remorseful remarks after the death of King Duncan…

Words 837 - Pages 4

Examples Of Free Will In Macbeth

possession, we obtain control. In Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Macbeth, there is a question as to whether or not Macbeth is driven by fate or free will. Throughout the play Macbeth, written by Shakespeare, Macbeth acts upon the prophecies given to him by three witches. Some may consider the satisfaction of these witches' expectations as a reasonable sign that Macbeth's way is a destined one, bound to happen. Instead, the witches' prophecies for Macbeth, his remorseful remarks after the death of King Duncan…

Words 720 - Pages 3

Examples Of Fate Vs Free Will In Macbeth

Fate vs Free Will Throughout one of Shakespeare's famous plays Macbeth, he encompasses the idea of fate vs free will to demonstrate the effect of ambition. Macbeth s noble soldier of Scotland eager to become king, enabled his ambition and pride to take over his soul. He was once approached by three witches that would completely change his life. They advised him of his prophecies that would in the near future induce his tragedy. “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter” (1.3.50)…

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