How Does Macbeth Control His Own Destiny

Despite the influence of Lady Macbeth and the witches' prophecies, Shakespeare depicts Macbeth as he is in control of his own destiny, satiating his desire for power through his wicked deeds and interactions. Oftentimes, one's behavior is fueled by their true motives regardless of outside manipulation. Such is seen by the measures that Macbeth comes up with and carries out, as his hunger to gain and maintain his power pushes him forward. Prior to the murder of Duncan, Macbeth thinks that “whiles [he] threat, [Duncan] lives. Words to the heat of deeds too cold breath gives”, and he decides to “go, and it is done” (Shakespeare Act 2.1 73/75). When Macbeth reflects prior to the murder, he struggles to come to a decision before deciding to

Macbeth decided on his own accord to carry out this murder for his own gain, so he would be able to become king. He was given the spark of interest by the witches prophecy, but was never forced into taking such a drastic measure. The murder occurred solely due to Macbeth's judgment, as he did not reject the opportunity to fulfill his greedy goal of becoming king. Such control was seen once again following the news of Macduff fleeing to England, as Macbeth decided that “The very firstlings of [his] heart shall be the firstlings of [his] hand” (Shakespeare 4.1). Macbeth made such a decision wanting to maintain his grasp on the throne, trying to prevent anyone else from seizing power. Such paranoia was derived upon the prophecy that predicted the heir to the throne would not be his blood. However when it came to the decision of acting on every thought, Macbeth acted independently to come up with what he thought was beneficial to conserve his throne. Although some people think that Macbeth was heavily manipulated by the three witches' prophecies, the prophecies never specified what would

This is exemplified with the conversations involving Macbeth, where he remains steadfast in his beliefs, as well as convince others to align with his views. Once Macbeth takes the throne, his next focus is on Banquo and his son Fleance, both people he believes are dangerous to his throne. He employs two murderers, calling to their desires as he asks if “[they were] so gospeled to pray for[Banquo]... Whose heavy hand hath bowed [them]to the grave And beggared [them]forever? Macbeth decided that “[he] will put that business in [their] bosoms, whose execution takes [their] enemy off, Grapples [them] to the heart and love of [him],” (3.1/108/120). These Murderers have a past with Banquo, where Banquo's actions left them in great despair and poverty. Macbeth attempts to entice these murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance by calling on their desire to gain his favor and take revenge on Banquo. Macbeth sees Banquo as a threat to the stability of his position, due to the fact that Banquo is on par with him in terms of character and wisdom. He is also apprehensive about Banquo’s son Fleance, as the prophecies predict that one day Banquo’s offspring would become king. Macbeth deemed it necessary to kill Banquo and Fleance as he thought they were threats to his crown, so he decided to manipulate the murderers to do his bidding. Following his banquet, Macbeth went to meet the three witches