Introduction: The definition of responsibility is being accountable for something within one’s control, thus people are “the designer of my [their] own catastrophy” - Unknown. Similarly in Macbeth, the supernatural is held accountable for Macbeth’s actions, despite the fact that Macbeth is responsible for what he has done. This is because people have the free will to make their own choices, and the actions chosen are driven by their own desires. Accordingly, the supernatural should not be blamed for the actions of others, as people are responsible for their own fate. Body Paragraph One: Everyone has the free will to make their own choices as the supernatural does not instigate the choices of people. The prophecy which Macbeth followed, “Macbeth …show more content…
Exemplifying Macbeth’s actions are the result of his own desires. Evidence 3: “They hailed him father to a line of kings/ Upon my head they placed a fruitless crown” (3.1.63-64) Elaboration 3: Macbeth optionally chooses to act upon the prophecy, by wanting to kill Banquo and his son, for his jealousy of greed. Additionally, even though Macbeth already has the power of the king, he wants even more power, because he is jealous of Banquo’s power (line of kings). Macbeth’s need for power makes him irrational, resulting in him making foolish acts, despite the fact that no one had forced him. Evidence 4: “I have no spur/ To prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition” (1.7.25-26) Elaboration 4: Macbeth admits he chose to conduct his violent actions because of his desires, attesting to the fact; Macbeth’s desires are to blame for his actions. As they lead him to kill anyone who stood in his path of reaching his desires, of greed, power, and ambition. Concluding Sentence: Although Macbeth had free will in his actions, he uselessly chose to act violently, as result of his
Both Banquo and Macbeth are introduced as loyal captains in the king`s army, but as the play progresses, Macbeth is overcome with the desire of power due to his reception of the prophecies. Upon hearing, Banquo does not become greedy for power, but, alternatively, he is suspect and cautious begins wondering if “we [Macbeth and Banquo] eaten on the insane root that takes the reason prisoner?” (1.3). Realizing the witches were simply trying to make him ambitious, Banquo remains loyal to his king and his country, despite knowing that he will have a dynasty to rule Scotland. Despite having the motivation, Banquo does not commit treason against his king but rather wants to “keep my [his] bosom franchis'd and allegiance clear” (2.1), meaning that he has no desire to betray the king for personal gain. Conversely, upon hearing the witches’ prophecies, Macbeth becomes ambitious for power and follows them blindly. He is curious about the witches’ prophecies and demands they “stay… [and] tell me [him] more” (1.3). When he hears that the prophecy that his heirs will rule Scotland he will be king, Macbeth`s ambition is born and his thoughts instantly turn to murder, even though the witches had not mentioned murdering King Duncan which shows that Macbeth has previously thought about murdering his king. As a result, Macbeth has no loyalty to neither his king nor his country and commits treason. While both Banquo and Macbeth hear the witches` prophecies that promised power, only Macbeth conceded to their prophecy and became overcame with ambition. Macbeth is a direct antithesis to the honorable, dependent Banquo. He transforms into a greedy man who is obsessed with his
The underlying cause of Macbeth’s fate was his own actions and ambitions. He possesses his own free-will and kills King Duncan despite the deed being so cruel and nothing forcing his hand (Doc C). Lady Macbeth has no power over his actions. She may only influence thoughts and opinions. The Weïrd Sisters too, while highly convincing to him, have no physical power over Macbeth’s actions. After acquiring his title of Thane of Cawdor, he recognizes that if these predictions were absolute, then “chance may crown [him],/Without [his] stir.” (Doc A). If the predictions were truly ultimate, then action would not be required. However, because he still felt the need to ensure his position as king, he tempts fate and pays the price. There was no outer force controlling Macbeth’s actions and he is fully
Placing the Blame in Macbeth & nbsp; The blame for the tragedy of Macbeth must be apportioned between the three witches, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth himself. & nbsp; The three witches play a very important role in affecting the actions of Macbeth with their ability to steer him in the direction they desire. They not only use their supernatural powers, but also prey on his greed and ambition. & nbsp; All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee thane of Glamis! All hail, Macbeth!
It is obvious that Macbeth is constantly enacting his free will on his life. His fate does not entirely dictate what transpires in his life. Macbeth would never have become King, killed Banquo, descended to madness, and be killed, without choosing to commit the actions ...
Throughout the play, one can argue that Macbeth was coerced or that is was his will. Yet, the evidence supports that Macbeth was indeed controlled by the supernatural. Therefore, the witches are the ones responsible for Macbeth’s rise to glory and his tragedy.
In Macbeth desire and violence are prevalent throughout the book. Desire blinds one’s ability to think clearly when making a decision. If violence is used due to one’s desire than violence becomes a never ending cycle until the outcome of the violence goes against the one whose desire led to violence. When making a decision, one should use reason, which is having a logical justification or motive. Violence is committed many times in the book but not all for the same motive. Macbeth commits several acts of violence in the book due to his desire for the kingship of Scotland.
Macbeth’s possession of options allows him to fall under the category of free will. One way Macbeth possesses options is by choosing to listen to someone or not. The Witches, as well as Lady Macbeth, both influence Macbeth, turning his thoughts evil. However, Macbeth is a strong, tough man
“And fortune, on his damned quarrel smiling show’d like a rebel’s whore. but all too weak; for brave Macbeth disdaining fortune, worth his brandished steel, which smoked with bloody execution” (I..ii 15-17). This quote is saying that Macbeth should have died in that battle, but he is too strong and powerful for his fate. This shows that “Macbeth” is free will because he is fighting against the odds meaning he should have died in that battle. Macbeth is considered a “damned quarry” per the captain because he has escaped his doom this time, but it will come back to haunt him in the future. “If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me” (I..iii 137-144). In this quote, Macbeth lets chance take its tole rather than murdering anyone else. This conveys free will because Macbeth decides to use chance instead of murder. Chance is also considered free will because he is making bold decisions by himself. Macbeths free will is making others see what kind of leader he is or will be later in the
Macbeth’s blind ambition leads him to surrender to his dark desires that taunt him throughout the play. Macbeth is frequently tempted to result to the wrongful methods that seem to roam inside of him. In the beginning however Macbeth tends to ignore these desires and depends on chance. He declares “if chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, without my stir” (Shakespeare, act 1, scene 3, 143-144). This declaration by Macbeth shows his initial stand, which is reliant on fate and sin free. Yet as Macbeth’s character develops throughout the play, he moves farther from his dependence on chance and closer to his darker desires. Eventually his blind ambition to become king overp...
After a long and hard battle, the Sergeant says to King Duncan, “For brave Macbeth,-well he deserves that name,- disdaining fortune, with his brandish’d steel, which smok’d with bloody execution , like valour’s minion carv’d out his passage till he fac’d the slave;” (1.2.16) . This quote shows that Macbeth is viewed as a valiant soldier and a capable leader. However, it does not take long for the real Macbeth to be revealed- a blindly ambitious man, easily manipulated by the prospect of a higher status. His quest for power is what drives his insanity, and after having been deemed the Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth’s ambition can immediately be seen. In a soliloquy, Macbeth says, “Present fears are less than horrible imaginings; my thought, whose murder yet is but fantastica, shakes so my single state of man that function is smother’d in surmise, and nothing is but what is not” (1.3.140). Macbeth has just gained more power, and his immediate thought is of how to gain an even higher status as king. He imagines how to kill Duncan, and then is troubled by his thoughts, telling himself it is wrong. This inner struggle between Macbeth’s ambition and his hesitation to kill Duncan is the first sure sign of his mental deterioration. Although Macbeth does kill Duncan, he questions whether or not he should to do so, which is far different from how Macbeth feels about murder later in the play. Macbeth becomes king, and this power leads
Although there are supernatural forces at work on Macbeth, Macbeth holds responsibility for his demise due to the actions he willingly decides to take which are rooted from his own ambition, fear, and ignorance.
When reading William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, it seems that Macbeth was predestined to do the terrible deeds that he did. However, there is also a valid argument that Macbeth exercised his free will and chose to do those things on his own. This discussion leads into many different topics, but it relates most to spirituality. The concept of free will and how it relates to Macbeth and our present lives yields a relevant and interesting topic for further discussion.
...in order to possess the crown. This is not entirely true. Although there is truth in this statement, Macbeth would not have committed a single crime in this play if it weren’t for the other figures whose words influenced, and drove him to do so. Macbeth did not act alone. He was manipulated by the witches and encouraged by his wife. It is because of his impressionable personality that he was convinced to kill his king, and fellow subjects.
...gicality and eagerness which leads his arrogant action to result in his demise. Banquo is much more wary about the prophecies given to both Macbeth and Banquo that appear to be really good for both of them. Macbeth is motivated by the gratifying appearance of the prophecies to act upon the possibility of the prophecies coming true. This gives him a false sense of security because he is tempted with the fact that these prophecies could quite possibly be the truth. This is want ultimately gives Macbeth the motivation to execute his arrogant actions. He is under the impression that his actions could in no way fail because the supernatural tells him he will get the power he seeks.
Fate and free will, the beliefs that humans are either mere playthings to the universe or are in full control of their destinies. The tragic play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, has the ideas of fate and free will present throughout. The play opens on eleventh century Scotland, where the main character, Macbeth, meets with three witches who tell him that he is fated to become king. Macbeth decides to leave out chance, take matters into his own hands, and kill King Duncan. He soon becomes paranoid and sends orders to kill those he believes are a threat to his power. Although Macbeth was fated to become king, his downfall was caused by his own free will on the account of his choices to put faith in the witches, kill King Duncan, and kill the family of Macduff.