fate and free will macbeth essay

William Shakespeare

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From the moment the weird sisters tell Macbeth and Banquo their prophecies, both the characters and the audience are forced to wonder about fate. Is it real? Is action necessary to make it come to pass, or will the prophecy come true no matter what one does? Different characters answer these questions in different ways at different times, and the final answers are ambiguous—as fate always is.

Unlike Banquo, Macbeth acts: he kills Duncan . Macbeth tries to master fate, to make fate conform to exactly what he wants. But, of course, fate doesn't work that way. By trying to master fate once, Macbeth puts himself in the position of having to master fate always. At every instant, he has to struggle against those parts of the witches' prophecies that don't favor him. Ultimately, Macbeth becomes so obsessed with his fate that he becomes delusional: he becomes unable to see the half-truths behind the witches' prophecies. By trying to master fate, he brings himself to ruin.

Fate ThemeTracker

Fate Quotes in Macbeth

Macbeth Theme of Fate and Free Will

The dog ate my homework. The devil made me do it. She forced me to eat that apple .

People have been coming up with excuses for their actions since Ugg first had to apologize for hitting Zog with a rock. (The saber-toothed tiger made me do it?) And the favorite excuse of great tragedy is almost always "fate." But Macbeth questions that excuse. Is it Macbeth's fate to be a traitor and a king-killer? Or is he alone responsible for his actions, and did he freely choose his choice? The play pits the prophecies of the three weird sisters against its own dramatization of Macbeth's internal conflict—and it's not clear which wins. In fact, fate and free will might just be working together.

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Questions About Fate and Free Will

• What is Macbeth's initial response to the weird sisters' prophesy? Does his attitude change at some point? If so, when does the change occur?
• Macbeth is repeatedly described as giving the witches his "rapt" attention. Why is that? What does this suggest about Macbeth's choices?
• Do all of the witches' prophesies come true?
• What role does Lady Macbeth play in her husband's actions? Is she always involved in Macbeth's decision making?

Chew on This

Macbeth leaves us hanging. It never answers the question of whether free will or fate determines a person's future.

Macbeth may be fated to be king, but he decides all on his own that he will murder Duncan in order to obtain the crown. His actions suggest that fate may be predetermined, but free will determines how a people reach their destinies.

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Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” written in the early 17th century, stands as a timeless masterpiece that delves into the profound and often debated theme of fate in Macbeth and topic of free will. Set in medieval Scotland, the play tells the story of Macbeth, a nobleman whose life takes a dark turn following a prophecy by three witches. This prophecy, coupled with his ambition and the persuasive influence of his wife, Lady Macbeth, sets him on a tragic path of murder, guilt, and paranoia. Shakespeare weaves a complex narrative where supernatural elements – such as the prophecy of the Weird Sisters – intersect with the human actions and decisions of Macbeth and other characters. This interplay raises poignant questions about whether our lives are governed by destiny, or whether we have the autonomy to shape our own paths.

In this essay, we will explore in detail how Shakespeare portrays the themes of fate vs free will Macbeth. We will dissect key scenes that serve as turning points in the narrative, highlighting how these moments underscore the tension between predetermined destiny and individual choice. We will also analyze the roles of pivotal characters, such as Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and Banquo, examining how their responses to the prophecies reflect their perspectives on fate and free will. Furthermore, this exploration will extend to understanding how these themes not only drive the plot forward but also profoundly impact the development and ultimate fate of the characters.

Through this analysis, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of how “Macbeth” navigates the intricate dance between fate and free will, offering insights into the broader implications of these themes in human life. This exploration will reveal the timeless relevance of Shakespeare’s work and its enduring ability to engage audiences in a reflection on some of life’s most fundamental questions.

Portrayal of Fate and Free Will

From the outset, “Macbeth” positions fate as a powerful force, primarily represented through the Weird Sisters. Their prophetic declarations to Macbeth and Banquo introduce the idea of a predetermined future, suggesting that fate has a role in shaping events. However, Shakespeare does not present fate as a singular, deterministic force. Instead, he weaves in the element of free will, embodied in Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s decisions and actions. The characters’ responses to the prophecies are crucial, highlighting that while fate may propose a path, it is human action that ultimately forges the journey.

The Influence of Fate and Free Will on the Plot and Characters

The intricate dance of fate in Macbeth and free will depicted by Shakespeer in his play goes beyond mere thematic exploration; it is the very engine that propels the narrative and shapes its characters. The witches’ prophecies, cryptic and foreboding, set in motion the gears of the plot, foretelling Macbeth’s rise to power. However, it is not fate alone that guides the course of events; rather, it is the response of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to these prophecies that truly steers the story. Their decisions, driven by ambition and a lust for power, are acts of free will that catalyze the tragic unfolding of events.

Macbeth’s transformation from a loyal and honorable nobleman to a tyrannical ruler encapsulates the complex interplay of fate and choice. His initial reluctance to act on the witches’ prophecy is swiftly overcome by his and his wife’s deliberate and conscious decisions to murder King Duncan. This pivotal act of regicide is a clear exercise of free will, a deliberate step that aligns with the fated kingship but at a terrible moral cost. The subsequent reign of Macbeth is marked by increasing paranoia and tyrannical behavior, suggesting that once the natural order is disrupted by free will, chaos and guilt become inevitable companions.

Lady Macbeth, equally complicit in the unraveling of their fated fortunes, exhibits the psychological turmoil of their choices. Her initial steely resolve and manipulation of Macbeth to commit the murder gradually give way to guilt and madness. Her descent into insanity, culminating in her tragic death, is a stark representation of the psychological burden of exercising free will against ethical principles.

The play also delves into the futility of trying to manipulate or escape one’s destiny. Macbeth’s murder of Banquo, prompted by the fear of losing his power, is a futile attempt to challenge fate. Banquo’s ghost at the banquet is a haunting reminder that one cannot easily evade the consequences of their actions, even if they are predestined. Furthermore, Macbeth’s attempt to thwart the prophecy concerning Macduff leads to the massacre of Macduff’s family, a horrific act that only hastens Macbeth’s downfall. This sequence of events underscores the destructive nature of attempting to control or divert fate through morally reprehensible actions.

In a broader sense, “Macbeth” is a profound commentary on the human condition, grappling with the eternal questions of destiny and agency. The characters, especially Macbeth and Lady Macbeth become embodiments of the struggle between predetermined paths and the choices that individuals make and we will dive into that below. 

Generally speaking, through “Macbeth,” Shakespeare masterfully illustrates that while fate may lay the groundwork, it is ultimately free will and personal choice that shape our lives, often with irreversible and tragic consequences.

Key Scenes in the Depiction of Fate and Free Will

Several scenes in “Macbeth” are pivotal to understanding the interplay of fate and free will. The opening scene, where the Weird Sisters reveal their prophecies, sets the stage for this dynamic. Here, fate presents itself, yet it is Macbeth’s reaction to the prophecy of becoming king that sparks the chain of events leading to his ascent and downfall.

Another crucial scene is Macbeth’s soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 7, where he contemplates the moral implications of murdering King Duncan. This moment of introspection underscores the role of personal choice, indicating that despite the prophecy, Macbeth has the agency to make his own decisions.

Furthermore, the banquet scene in Act 3, where Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost, is significant in the context of free will. Macbeth’s guilt manifests as a hallucination, a result of his conscious choice to murder. This scene illustrates the internal conflict and the psychological repercussions of exercising free will against moral judgment.

Characters Caught in the Conflict of Fate and Free Will

In the narrative of “Macbeth,” characters are continually caught in the crossfire between fate vs free will in Macbeth, each responding uniquely to this conflict. Macbeth, the central figure of the play, epitomizes this struggle. Initially portrayed as a brave and noble soldier, Macbeth’s encounter with the Weird Sisters ignites a latent ambition within him. Their prophecy plants a seed of future possibilities in his mind:

“All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” . (Act 1, Scene 3)

Yet, it is not fate alone that seals Macbeth’s destiny. His own decisions, significantly influenced by Lady Macbeth’s persuasive words propel him down a dark path,

“Art not without ambition, but without the illness should attend it” . (Act 1, Scene 5)

His exercise of free will, choosing to murder King Duncan, marks the beginning of his moral decline and paves the way to his tragic end. Macbeth’s journey thus becomes a cautionary tale about the perils of letting unchecked ambition and manipulable free will override ethical judgment.

Lady Macbeth, a pivotal character in this thematic exploration, undergoes a dramatic transformation. Initially, she emerges as a powerful figure, inciting Macbeth to seize his destiny. Her next famous lines reflect her manipulative nature and determination

“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t” . (Act 1, Scene 5)

However, as the play progresses, the weight of their choices begins to haunt her. The psychological burden of their free-willed actions manifests in her descent into madness, symbolized by her obsessive hand-washing and her lamentation,

“Out, damned spot! Out, I say!” (Act 5, Scene 1)

Her tragic fate illustrates the profound psychological cost of aggressively pursuing a destiny that requires moral compromise.

In contrast, Banquo serves as a moral foil to Macbeth. He too hears the witches’ prophecies, including the promise of a royal lineage,

“Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none” . (Act 1, Scene 3)

However, Banquo’s reaction is markedly different. He chooses a more passive stance, allowing fate to take its course without resorting to manipulation or violence. This approach sets him apart from Macbeth, underscoring the play’s exploration of free will versus predestined fate. Banquo’s character challenges the notion that one must actively shape destiny, suggesting that ethical integrity and a hands-off approach to fate can coexist.

Through these characters, Shakespeare intricately weaves a narrative that not only entertains but also provokes deep contemplation about the forces of fate and the power of personal choice. Each character’s journey through this thematic landscape adds layers of complexity to the play’s exploration of these timeless concepts.

In conclusion, “Macbeth” presents a nuanced exploration of fate and free will, suggesting that while our lives may be influenced by predetermined paths, it is our actions and choices that ultimately define our journey. Shakespeare uses Macbeth’s tragic story to illustrate the complexity of these concepts and their profound impact on human behavior and psychology. The interplay of fate and free will in “Macbeth” not only drives the plot but also serves as a timeless reflection on the human condition, reminding us of the power of personal choice in shaping our destinies.

How is fate and free will presented in Macbeth essay?

In the play “Macbeth,” Shakespeare intertwines the concepts of fate and free will to explore the consequences of human actions. Fate is presented through the prophecies of the Weird Sisters, which seem to set Macbeth on a path of inevitable downfall. However, the play also delves deeply into the concept of free will. Macbeth’s actions, driven by ambition and spurred by Lady Macbeth, show a conscious choice to follow a path of treachery and murder. This blend of fate and free will suggests that while destiny might lay out certain paths, individuals still have the power to make choices that impact their outcomes.

How does fate compare to free will in Macbeth Act 2?

In Act 2 of “Macbeth,” the tension between fate and free will becomes more pronounced. The act begins with Macbeth contemplating the murder of King Duncan, wrestling with his conscience and the moral repercussions of his intended actions. Despite the prophecies that imply his rise to power, it’s Macbeth’s free will that ultimately drives him to commit regicide. This act exemplifies the struggle between the destined kingship suggested by the witches and Macbeth’s own agency in bringing about his rise and subsequent fall. The act underscores that while fate might provide a framework, free will allows individuals to choose their paths, albeit with potentially tragic consequences.

What is the view of fate in Macbeth?

In “Macbeth,” fate is viewed as a mysterious and inescapable force that predetermines certain events in life. The Weird Sisters symbolize this force, delivering prophecies that foretell Macbeth’s future, including his ascent to the throne. These prophecies set the stage for the play’s events, creating an atmosphere where Macbeth’s fate seems predetermined. However, Shakespeare subtly suggests that while fate may lay out certain paths, it does not absolve individuals from the consequences of their actions, nor does it eliminate the role of personal choice. Thus, the view of fate in “Macbeth” is complex, serving as a catalyst for action while still leaving room for personal agency and moral responsibility.

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Essay: Macbeth – fate and free will

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Elbert Hubbard, an American Writer, once said, “Life is a compromise between fate and free will.” There is a constant struggle between what fate decides, and what the consequences of free will lead up to. Even if the end of a pathway is predetermined by fate, the way it is reached is through one’s own decisions made by free will. The consequences of these actions made in free will then determines how one comes about their destiny. In Macbeth, written by William Shakespeare, the characters suffer fated deaths resulted from their actions. Fate and free will cohesively go hand in hand ultimately leading up to the deaths of Duncan, Lady Macbeth, and Macbeth. The death of Duncan is determined by fate and free will because the actions of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth led to his death. When Macbeth comes across the witches, they reveal to him that he, “Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter” (1.3.53), and he becomes ambitious to reach that position quickly. Throughout the play, Macbeth solely lives by the witches’ prophecies, basing his decisions off of what they say. At the time this prophecy was stated, Duncan was King of Scotland. Previously, the witches tell Macbeth that he would be Thane of Cawdor, which became true, so Macbeth believed in the accuracy of the prophecies. This persuaded Macbeth that it was in his fate that he would become King of Scotland, since it was predetermined by the witches. As it was Macbeth’s fate to become King of Scotland, it correlated that Duncan’s fate would be death, in order to fulfill the prophecy. Although it may seem that Duncan’s death was fate, Macbeth’s free will determined how he would take Duncan’s throne. After Macbeth heard his prophecy, he told Lady Macbeth his fate. She suggested that he should kill Duncan, and starts to plan the murder. Initially Macbeth was rather reluctant to Lady Macbeth’s idea of murder, however she later persuaded him into following through with the assassination. As Macbeth saw the blade, he asks, “Is this a dagger which I see before me,/ The handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch/ thee” (2.1.44-46). Macbeth decides that he will murder Duncan out of his own free will. He explicitly asks for the dagger, “Come let me clutch thee” showing the desire behind his actions. Macbeth’s free will changes proportionally with his characterization, because he went from viewing murder as impure, to now committing one himself. As his values and perceptions change, Macbeth acts differently, which overall influences his free will. Fate and free will are both accountable for Duncan’s death because of the actions Macbeth took to fulfill the witches’ prophecy that he would become king. Lady Macbeth’s free will led to her negative influence on Macbeth, and eventually resulted in her fate, her death. At the beginning of the play, Lady Macbeth’s characterization was headstrong and powerful. She serves as the main influence for Macbeth to murder Duncan, as she extensively argues against Macbeth, demanding that he must follow through with the murder. She uses his own manhood against him by stating, “When you durst do it, then you were a man; / And, to be more than what you were, you would / be so much more the man” (1.7.56-58). Lady Macbeth was the first to know when Macbeth had heard the prophecy of becoming King of Scotland, and was overjoyed by the news. She made sure that he would fulfill his prophecy, regardless of any circumstances. She harshly criticizes Macbeth for not wanting to commit the murder, depreciating him as being less than a so called “man.” Her argument is effective, as Macbeth successfully committed the murder. Lady Macbeth misuses her free will, as she only looks in interest of herself and Macbeth, not considering anybody else being affected by her actions. A change in her characterization occurs after Macbeth had become King of Scotland and abused his power by ordering unnecessary murders. Lady Macbeth becomes overwhelmed with guilt as she was the one who forced the impurity in Macbeth, driving her to be mentally and emotionally unstable. She has a gentlewoman to take care of her, and one day a Doctor comes to visit. He evaluates, “Unnatural deeds/ do breed unnatural troubles. Infected minds/ to their deaf pillows will discharge their secrets./ More needs she the divine than the physician” (5.1.75-78). Lady Macbeth’s fate is determined by her free will because her “unnatural deeds” drove her to have an “infected mind” which is out of the Doctor’s control. Her fate is death, as the Doctor believes that there is nothing that can be done to cure her of her troubles. Lady Macbeth’s free will of previous constraint upon Macbeth has led her to feel responsible for Macbeth’s presiding actions. Macbeth kills former friends who he believes are now enemies, susceptible people, and harmless families, showing the impact of Lady Macbeth’s free will. She eventually commits suicide because the pain was unbearable. If Lady Macbeth had not been so forceful towards Macbeth killing Duncan, he would not have gone insane, and she would not have felt guilty. Fate and free will determine Lady Macbeth’s death because her guilt was oppressive causing her suicide. Macbeth’s death came from his free will to ignore his fate. The witches tell Macbeth his fate through various prophecies which change Macbeth’s characterization dramatically throughout the play. He becomes overconfident in his actions as the witches relieve his worries of anybody killing him. Macbeth begins the play as a pure and caring soldier, but eventually turns into an evil tyrant. Once he fulfilled the witches’ prophecy of becoming King of Scotland, he began to misuse his control of the country. Macbeth states, “The castle of Macduff I will surprise, / seize upon Fife, give to th’ edge o’ th’ sword / His wife, his babies, and all unfortunate souls / That trace him in his line…/ This deed I’ll do before this purpose cool” (4.1.171-175). To ensure his own safety, Macbeth decided to kill anyone that is related to Macduff. A king must put his country before himself, but we see the opposite in Macbeth’s rule. Macbeth is doing everything in his power to protect himself, rather than his country. The witches’ prophecies did not specify his rule, only that he is destined to be King of Scotland, therefore it was Macbeth’s free will that he became a tyrant. We see Macbeth approaching his fate when Macduff comes to battle. During the fight, Macbeth’s last few words were, “Before my body / I throw my warlike shield. Lay on, Macduff, / And damned be him that first cries, ‘Hold! Enough!’” (5.8.37-39). Macduff had killed Macbeth, which was Macbeth’s fate. Macbeth had severely misused his power, resulting in the retaliation of his people, leading to his own death. Fate and free will were responsible for the death of Macbeth, because his unfair ruling angered the people, leading them to avenge. Macbeth, being overconfident, was not prepared for this comeback, and was consequently defeated. Macbeth’s fate was determined by his inconsiderate previous actions, or free will, which led Macduff to murder Macbeth. Fate and free will work together interchangeably to determine the deaths of Duncan, Lady Macbeth, and Macbeth. Fate is predetermined, but the way in which we reach it, is due to our free will. One’s decision will not only impact how they reach their own fate, but also other’s fate. Before making outrageous choices, one must consider the effects it may have on other people and to be mindful of everyone’s lives. Although one may not be able to change their destiny, they can still change their actions and perception to be respectful towards others. 2019-3-11-1552296886

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Fate, Free Will, and the Tragedy of Macbeth

In his review of Macbeth , by William Shakespeare, Dr Aidan Elliott, PhD considers a key theme in the tragedy, Fate and Free Will. The play was probably first performed in 1606 before King James I of England (1603-1625), who was also James VI of Scotland (1567 – 1625). The king was a patron of Shakespeare’s acting company and would have been very interested in the story of a brave Scottish general, Macbeth, who became consumed with ambition after he heard a prophecy from a trio of witches that he would become King of Scotland.

The tension between Fate and Free Will would also have been of interest to James I because there was an important theological debate raging in Christendom over the Sovereignty of God and man’s Free Will. The Church of England, which embraced the teachings of the Reformers on this matter, was being challenged by the teachings of Jacob Arminius, a Dutch theologian.

Not surprisingly, The Tragedy of Macbeth reinforces the view of King James I that he had been appointed by God to rule. Any opposition to the will of the king might very well have a bloody ending, much like Macbeth experienced in the play.

The theory of the Divine Right of the King was believed to be essential for stability in society. No disruptive opposition to the crown was to be tolerated. The king had a Divine Right to rule as he saw fit.

Fate Defined

As Dr. Elliot considers the tension between Fate and Free Will in Macbeth, he begins his observations by defining Fate.

“Fate refers to events outside a person’s control, predetermined by a supernatural power.” Theologians call this supernatural power the sovereignty of God.

Important questions arise.

“Are the events in the play predetermined by a supernatural power?”

“Are the events outside a person’s control?”

“Is Macbeth a puppet of Fate?”

“Does Macbeth exercise his own Free Will?”

“What is the evidence?”

It can be noted that Fate, meaning supernatural power, is reflected in the Three Witches called, the Weird Sisters. These women are not odd, peculiar, or strange; they were the embodiment of Fate, or Destiney. The Weird Sisters foretell the Fate of Macbeth, with total accuracy, which indicates a predetermination of all that was to come to pass.

Theologians would say the Weird Sisters expressed Foreknowledge of Divine Certainty. What they said would come to pass. It was Foreordained to happen.

The Witches spoke to the Scottish military Thane (General), and said:

“All hail Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Glamis. All hail Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor. All hail Macbeth, that shall be king hereafter.”

~Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 3, Lines 66-68

The anaphor, or repetition of the phrase, “All hail Macbeth”, makes a connection between three ideas. Macbeth is the Thane of Glamis. Macbeth is the Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth shall certainly be king of Scotland. It is without question.

Shortly after the Three Witches spoke, Macbeth received word that indeed he had been made king of Cawdor. The Weird Sisters were right. How did they know? It was his Fate.

When Macbeth discovered the Three Witches had been right in what they said, an ember of ambition began to burn in his soul that would soon enflame the totality of his being. 

As Macbeth considered his future, his friend, Banquo, began to wonder about his own future, his own Fate. What was to be his destiny? The Three Witches were able to give him an answer.

“Thou shall get kings, though he be none.”

~Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 3, Line 65

Banquo was told that he would beget many children who would become kings of Scotland, but he would never personally be king. That was his Fate. It was a fixed certainty.

Since Banquo can never become king, he cannot use his Free Will to manipulate events. It would be to no avail.

In contrast, since Macbeth was told that he would become king, he could act upon that information, or, he could passively wait for it to happen.

Initially, Macbeth was skeptical.

“…to be king Stands not within the prospect of belief.”

~Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 3, Lines 71-72

The reason why Macbeth thought it was impossible to become king, was because of the current belief that kings were appointed by God. King Duncan of Scotland will only be replaced when he dies.

So, either Duncan can appoint Macbeth to succeed him as king, or, Macbeth can seize the throne by force.

“My thought, whose murder yet is but fantastical, Shakes so my single state of man that functions smothered in surmise.”

~ Macbeth, Acts 1, Scene 3, Lines 138-140

Macbeth confesses to imagining murdering Duncan, King of Scotland. Macbeth was contemplating regicide, believed at that time to be the vilest act a human can commit, killing the Divine ruler.

His murderous thought was so fantastic, Macbeth felt paralyzed. He could not function properly, much like Scotland, or any state, which becomes immobilized when the mind is divided as to what should be done. Macbeth wants to kill Duncan, but he cannot bring himself to do such a dreadful deed. Murder is morally wrong.

Another thought comes to Macbeth which gives him a momentary ray of hope.

“If chance will have me king, why chance may crown me Without my stir.”

~Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 3, Line 142-143

Macbeth hopes that Fate will make him king without him taking any action. He does not want to exercise his Free Will to determine an outcome.

At this moment, Duncan surprises Macbeth with the news that he has decided upon an heir to the throne.

“We will establish our estate upon Our eldest, Malcolm.”

~Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 4, Lines 137-138

The situation suddenly became intolerable for Macbeth. He now had two men between himself and the throne. He had to remove Duncan, and he had to remove Malcolm. Macbeth feels that he must do something, or the throne shall be lost. He must act upon the information he has received. He must exercise his will in this matter.

To encourage her husband to move towards regicide, Lady Macbeth appears, and speaks.

“Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be What thou are promised.”

~Act 1, Scene 5, Lines 13-14

By using the word “shalt”, Lady Macbeth is expressing her own certainty of any dark deeds against the king and the royal family.

Despite her own certainty, Lady Macbeth believes her husband is weak, and so, she attacks his manhood in order to motivate him to commit a despicable deed.

“Yet I do fear thy nature, It is too full of the milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way.”

~Macbeth, Acts 1, Scene 5, Line 14-16

The milk of human kindness suggests tenderness, as a mother feeds her baby at her breast. Lady Macbeth believes her husband is too sensitive, too weak, and too indecisive to “catch the nearest way” to the throne, which would be to murder Duncan.

The irony is that Macbeth is a gifted and heroic warrior. He is use to killing people. He is familiar with the bloody carnage of warfare, and yet, he is accused of being too civilized to act in immoral way. Fighting to defend king and country is morally right. Trying to destroy both for personal ambition is morally wrong.

The choice Macbeth faces is whether or not he will move, of his own Free Will, from being a moral person, to being an immoral person. Will he, of his own Free Will, sacrifice virtue and cavity on the altar of personal ambition?

Free Will Defined

It is at this point that Free Will needs to be defined. Dr. Elliott does not define Free Will, which is probably just as well because there is a popular, but pagan, definition of this term.

The most widely prevalent view of Free Will is the Humanist View. Free will is commonly defined as the ability to make choices spontaneously . These choices are not determined by any prior conditions, prejudices, inclination, or disposition.

In contrast, The Tragedy of Macbeth teaches that the choices a person makes are not spontaneous, for there is always an influence on the will. The strongest influence on the will determines what shall be done.

Left to himself, Macbeth was in such an agitated state that he was immobilized from acting. So, what moved the General to act one way instead of another? The answer is easy to discern.

The words of Lady Macbeth questioning her husband’s courage, and manhood, moved his will to commit regicide.

The murder of Duncan, and others, was not a spontaneous action.

Their murder was a cold and calculating response to an assault on his personal pride, and his own personal ambition.

Macbeth could not say, “The Devil made me do it.”

He could not say he had no choice in the matter; he did.

Macbeth could not say he was a puppet on a string.

He could not defend his behavior by whining that he was weak, and a victim of his wife’s nagging.

No, of his own Free Will, Macbeth acted, and in his action fulfilled the Fate he was foretold.

Macbeth could not rail against Fate, any more than any person has a right to rail against God for the choices they make, that ultimately conform to what the Lord has predetermined shall come to pass.

On the Day of Pentecost Peter spoke of Jesus “being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God”, who was “taken by wicked hands” and was crucified and slain (Acts 2:23). Fate, or Predestination, is not incompatible with Free Will, or the choices individuals gladly make.

Macbeth was self-aware that he was violating his conscience. The Bible teaches the conscience can be seared, like a cauterized flesh wound so that it is no longer sensitive.

Said Macbeth,

“If th’assassination Could trammel up the consequence and catch With his surcease, success.

~Macbeth, Acts 1, Scene 7, Lines 2-4

Macbeth understood there was a Cause, and Effect, relation to his choices, which he wanted to be interrupted.

He wanted to kill Duncan, without any bad consequences, such as a feeling of guilt, the loss of respect in society, or protest from the legitimate heirs of Duncan to the throne. He wanted Malcom to be quiet, and if he would not be silent, Macbeth was willing to kill him too.

Macbeth wanted to “trammel”, or catch in a net, the results of his wicked actions, so that they did not interfere with his success in seizing the throne.

In like manner, individuals want to exercise their own Free Will independent of God, but without the consequences He has foreordained as the penalty for sin. “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). There is physical death; there is an eternal death. Individuals freely chose their own destinies, and then rail against God for working all things together after the counsel of His own will (Eph. 1:11).

It is not uncommon, when a person does something wrong, but does not want to be held accountable, to say they were but “puppets on a string”, just like Macbeth. Individuals are desperate to avoid accepting any responsibility,

Macbeth wanted to sin without a guilty conscience; he wanted no Savior; he wanted no God to confess to. Macbeth wanted a throne, but no cross. He wanted heaven on earth, even if that meant murder, without any negative consequences. Macbeth wanted Duncan to surcease , or die, and he wanted his own success , being king, to prevail.  

By using the word “If”, Macbeth knew that all choices have consequences. Macbeth freely chose to do wrong. In his mind, at that moment, he would pay any price to satisfy his ambition. Such is that nature of sin that blinds the mind, soils the soul, and enslaves the totality of a person. Macbeth knew in his heart he had no-one to blame but himself.

“Is this a dagger which I see before me, The handle toward my hand?”

~Macbeth, Acts 2, Scene 1, Line 33-34

“It is a dagger, Macbeth, and with your own Free Will you took it, and sealed your Fate.”

______________

* While the dialogue in Macbeth is the product of Shakespeare’s fertile imagination, there was a real Macbeth, King of Scotland, in the 11 th century. He took the throne after his cousin Duncan I died in battle in AD 1040.

Holinshed’s Chronicles (1587) is the historical source for Shakespeare’s literary narrative of Macbeth, King of Scotland, Macduff, and Duncan.

The Gunpowder Plot (1605), and the execution of Henry Garnet, are also believed to have influenced the play. 

“Fate and Free Will in Macbeth: Key Quotes & Analysis”, Dr Aidan, PhD (You Tube)

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The conflict of Macbeth’s fate vs free will

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Introduction

In William Shakespeare’s 17th century play “Macbeth”, the division of determined fate and free will carries out a crucial role as a key theme throughout the tragedy. On the one hand, pointing to the destiny determined at birth, possible fate may seem naturally beyond the control of mere mortals. On the other hand, free will is close to the fundamental idea that every event that happens to us is the result of some other action performed by our own choice. In contrast to the understanding based solely on fate as the leading driving force, Shakespeare, on the contrary, expresses free will at the heart of Macbeth’s decisions, thus showing fate is under the control of the actor.

Macbeth’s fate vs free will

To begin with, when the play starts with the predictive words of the witches, we realize that fate is the primary motive of the story, however, the eventual results are typically caused by a tragic series of personal decisions that coincide with the prophecies. For example, when Shakespeare points out that “The Witches are an enactment of the irrational” (2.3.17), he then demonstrates how even their fates are subordinate to the will of Macbeth, who makes his mind up. This is understandable from the behavior of Macbeth, who rationalizes everything he is told and arranges his actions by reacting to what is happening, not by blindly trusting his predetermined destiny. Shakespeare skillfully creates words of witches: “Be bloody, bold, and resolute. Laugh to scorn, The power of man, for none of woman born, Shall harm Macbeth” (4.1.90-92). Each of these actions represents a choice to which the witches urge Macbeth, as evidenced by the imperative tone conveyed by the vivid verbs. If fate was genuinely the most significant element of the work, the witches would not need to insist on such treatment. Undoubtedly, the meaning ascribed to the verb “to be” indicates that the free will of man remains still a determining factor in his future.

In addition, Macbeth’s fall at the hands of Macduff is a similar point of acrimonious dispute between fate and free will. Foreshadowing this event, the witches address Macbeth in the second phantasm, “The power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth” (4.1.91.). This was a crucial turning point in the tragedy, which aptly shows the superiority of free will in Macbeth’s murder of Duncan to become king. Although these events were described in the prophecy, the murder itself came as an unfortunate result of Macbeth carrying out his own plan. He could have ended up becoming king, even if he had done nothing, but the plot of Shakespeare’s play instead depicts a consistent path that successfully connects the original prophecy with its fulfillment. The perception of fate, in his opinion, may be just a coincidence. “All hail, Macbeth Hail to thee, thane of Glamis! All hail, Macbeth Hail to thee, thane of Cawdor! All hail, Macbeth Hail to thee, thou shall be King hereafter!” (1.3.49). Duncan’s two sons run away to avoid being unjustly suspected of committing a crime they did not commit — the murder of their own father.

Ultimately, paying attention to Macbeth’s communication with Lady Macbeth reveals the sinister intentions that drive his every action. “I dare do all that may become a man; Who dares do more is none.” (1.7.50-52). From this interaction, we understand that Macbeth does not succumb to fate, but tries to achieve everything to bring his and his wife’s intentions to life. The way we perceive situations that happen to us or make decisions is influenced by our inner fears, the environment each of us lives in and expectations of our family. We all cultivate inner morals, values that we try to follow, thus we can see things in another way and make different decisions, just like Macbeth, who wanted to capture the crown and decided to kill so many innocent lives.

Macbeth’s choice to act on the prophecies given to him by the three wicked witches demonstrates that although characters are influenced by others, ultimately, their decisions are what they stick to and what most affect their lives. For example, at the heart of Shakespeare’s story, Macbeth’s murder of Duncan leads to his own death at the hands of the relentless Macduff. This is not cruel fate, but an apparent consequence that happened with Macbeth’s own choice. Fate, as Shakespeare shows, exists purely in a coincidence of circumstances, guided by much more influential decisions that a person is free to make.

• Shakespeare, W. (1992). Macbeth. Wordsworth Editions.
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Fate and Destiny in Shakespeare’s Macbeth

• Categories: Macbeth

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Published: Feb 8, 2022

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Table of contents

The intricate interplay of fate and destiny in "macbeth", final thoughts, works cited.

• Shakespeare, W. (2015). Macbeth. Simon and Schuster.
• Bloom, H. (Ed.). (2008). Macbeth (Modern Critical Interpretations). Infobase Publishing.
• Kranz, D. (2016). A Companion to Shakespeare's Works: The Tragedies. John Wiley & Sons.
• Bevington, D. (2014). Macbeth (Second Edition) (The Arden Shakespeare Third Series). Bloomsbury Arden Shakespeare.
• Niederkorn, W. S. (2015). Shakespeare: The Tragedies. Pearson.
• Fischlin, D., & Fortier, M. (2017). Macbeth: Language and Writing (Arden Student Skills: Language and Writing). Bloomsbury Arden Shakespeare.
• McEachern, C. (2016). Macbeth: A Critical Reader (Arden Early Modern Drama Guides). Bloomsbury Arden Shakespeare.
• Jackson, R. (2018). Shakespeare and Domestic Life: A Dictionary. ABC-CLIO.
• Montrose, L. A. (2016). The Purpose of Playing: Shakespeare and the Cultural Politics of the Elizabethan Theatre. University of Chicago Press.
• Moulton, C. E. (2018). Shakespeare as Literary Dramatist. Routledge.

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