Many wide and controversial themes are covered in Shakespeare’s tragedy, Macbeth. This includes such things as greed, temptation, guilt and remorse, and the struggle of good and evil. But clearly the most important, and the one most discussed in the play is the subject of Fate versus Free Will. Can one really control how their lives turn out, or is it all predetermined by a greater force? The witches are a prime example of the fate versus free will aspect. When the witches and Macbeth originally meet, Macbeth is not seeking prophecies and answers. He only asks who they are, and that is when they give him the three infamous prophecies; that he will be the thane of Glamis, the thane of Cawdor, and ultimately, king. As he coincidentally becomes …show more content…
“What do these crimes have to do with fate and free will?”, one may ask. Well, this ties back in with the previous subject of the witches. Although they did inform Macbeth that he will be king, they never once said that he must kill the current king (Duncan) in order for this to come true. As previously mentioned, the prophecies end up being actually false. So, this points to Macbeth and solely his choices molding his untimely demise. He could’ve stopped himself, he obviously shows guilt and hesitance before doing the deed, as shown in the following quote “...Besides, this Duncan hath borne faculties so meek, hath been so clear in great office, that his virtues will plead like angels, trumpet tongued, against the deep damnation of his taking off” (Act 1, Scene 7, Lines 16-20). He, regardless, didn’t stop himself. Other murders that occur during Macbeth’s time in power are the slaughter of Banquo, and the brutal murders of Macduff’s family. But, even with all of this violence occurring, we can’t argue that these ruthless events all lead up to each and every prophecy coming true. Once again, we must ask ourselves, are we really in control of our own