The Individual Pursuit Of Goals In Shakespeare's Macbeth

English 20 “I guess one of the ways that karma works is that it finds out what you are most afraid of and then makes that happen eventually.” -Cheech Marin

As generations have passed, the idea of pursuing individual goals has been determined by the methods chosen by that person. Some goals can bring us to success, while others can lead to unexpected consequences. It has been discussed multiple times in the play Macbeth, that there are many perspectives people may take when pursuing goals. The road less travelled to some, may depict an outcome that will forever change their lives. In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, he describes the individual pursuit of goals by saying that they can be influenced by desires; Security can be our

Looking at the world in a broad perspective, we are all competitive. Whether it is sports, politics, or any other way that one may feel prosperous over another. Some will do anything to get what they desire, even if that means they must kill for it. In Macbeth, three witches come across Macbeth and Banquo, explaining to Macbeth that he shall be “Thane of Glamis”, “thane of Cawdor”, and “shalt be King hereafter. (I.iii.50-53) After hearing from the outrageous three, the two set off to later find out the prophecy was beginning to become a reality. After Macdonwald committed treason, Macbeth had gained the title of Thane of Cawdor. Shocked to hear a piece of the prophecy to be true, a fire was lit in Macbeth; King was his new desire. With ideas now buzzing throughout him,

Humans may also give trust to those they do not know, in the hopes that the individual will be a positive influence as they reach their goal. In Macbeth, when he goes off to see the witches again due to his uncertainty, the three band together with Hecate, and provide him with three equivocated apparitions. First, an “armed head” (IV.i.73) warning him to be aware of Macduff, then a “bloody child” (IV.i.83) advising Macbeth to “Be bloody, bold, and resolute; Laugh to scorn the power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth” (IV.i.85-87). As well as “a child crowned, with a tree in his hand” (IV.i.93) informing him that he would be in safe hands until “Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill shall come against him.” (IV.i.101-102) Hearing these prophecies, Macbeth believed he was untouchable, and that he had not a worry in the world. Assured by what the twisted witches had to say, Macbeth let his guard down making security his biggest flaw. The four witches knew that by equivocating the apparitions, that Macbeth would believe he was safe. He trusted in their words, due to the accuracy of the previous prophecies. Although Macbeth now justified and agreed with his past doings, little did he know the royal blood he had first spilled was affecting those close to