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Fate And Free Will In Shakespeare's Macbeth

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Have you ever wondered how many humans believe in fate writing their own story from birth to death? Through detailed prophecies of Macbeth’s fortune, Shakespeare develops a reoccurring pattern in the plot of the literature. These prophecies are told by the weird sister witches, whom Macbeth and Banquo encounter in the beginning of the play. The witches give Macbeth a fortune and then follow with Banquo’s future. The outcome of the fresh news is dependent on the reaction of the fortune’s receiver. Shakespeare develops this motif around the core of the story to ask the reader “how impactful is fate?”
The question of fate is negated by the witches’ prophecies for Macbeth. In the beginning of the novel, the witches are introduced by lightning and thunder which gives the reader the impression that evil resides in these creepy women. The first confrontation between the witches and Macbeth occurs just after King Duncan decides to name Macbeth thane of Cawdor, but Macbeth does not know that yet. Each witch praises Macbeth with a new fortune at his arrival upon the scene. Macbeth states,” Speak, if you can: what are you?” and then the “First Witch: All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Glamis! Second Witch: All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, thane of Cawdor! Third Witch: All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter!” (Shakespeare 6.) The significance of this text lies in …show more content…

Shakespeare reveals how easily swayed the human mind can be by temptation. Both good and evil can be found in every human being, but not always in proportion. The comparison of Macbeth’s reaction to his prophecy and Banquo’s shows that not all have the same balance of morals. The prophecies used in this play lead to the breakdown of the once loyal, heroic Macbeth and his violent death. Did Macbeth set himself up for failure or was cruel death his fate all

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