The Role of Fate in Macbeth

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Fate has sundry meanings. One of the meanings of fate: power that predetermines events. Destiny’s definition suggests that events will occur and do not change. Whatever unravels in life cannot change by mankind. The statement has undivulged meanings; fate has the opportunity to change if the person wants events to end differently. However, wrong decisions will only seal fate. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, The fate becomes confirmed through Lady Macbeth wanting more power, Macbeth’s inner conflict, and the three witches tricking Macbeth and leading him to his demise.

The witches give Macbeth prophecies that come true; but do not always work out right. The witches are talking about the confusion they will make “Fair is foul, and foul is fair. / Hover through the fog and filthy air” (I.i.10-11) The witches plan on what to do with Macbeth. “There to meet with Macbeth” (I.i.7), they are setting up their plan and enjoy what will unfold. Causing fate to change the way they want it to. The three sisters chant towards Macbeth, “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.48-50) macbeth starts to believe the witches because the first two things they said has truth so they seem judicious. He already has the title of Thane of Glamis; and in a short while learns that he inherits the Thane of Cawdor. Believing the sisters seems like the right act to do.

Deceiving people has an area of expertise that the witches are good at. Macbeth starts to rely on others instead of himself, which ultimately will going to drive him insane. The witches conspire with Hacate “As by the strength of their illusion/ Shall draw spurn fate, scorn dea...

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.../ Ere human statute purged the gentle weal;/ Ay, and since too, murders have been performed” (III.iv.76-78) the murder that Macbeth has conspired leaks to the public. The heavy amount of stress puts fear and grief in the mind. Reassuring fate through the illusions created through the thought process of Macbeth.

Fate determines what happens in a person’s life. Macbeth and others are affected by fate through death or agony. Not one person can escape what comes their way, eventually the inevitable will happen. Changes are able to occur if the person will only make smart choices, no foolish mistakes are made. Decisions are made based on fate, what the individual chooses can accomplish or destroy what good will come towards them.

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Macbeth. Boston: D.C. Heath and Company, 1915. Google Books. Web. 3 Sept. 2015.

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