Trapped by Fate In Macbeth
Macbeth struggles with the idea of fate versus free will. When he believes, he can control his own destiny, he eventually comes to realize that fate is more powerful than free will. Macbeth's journey shows that despite his best efforts to change the course of his life, to fulfill his prophecy to be king, he cannot escape the fate that has been predetermined for him by the witches. In the play “Macbeth”, Shakespeare explores the theme that fate is more powerful than free will, showing how a person's ambition and desire for power can lead them to make choices that cannot be undone.
The first quote in Macbeth that supports how fate is more powerful than free will is, “if chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me without my stir.” (i, iii, 9). The witches have prophesied that Macbeth will become king, and this quote provides evidence that Macbeth is already enjoying the idea of becoming king. The quote suggests Macbeth believes that his fate is already predetermined, and that he does not need to do anything for these prophecies to become true. He believes that if it is meant to be, then it will happen on its own. This
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The quote Macbeth says is, “I am in blood, Stepp’d in so far that, should i wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o’er.” (iii, iv, 57). The quote is significant because it shows that Macbeth has become so invested with his ambition and his desire to maintain his power that he feels he has no choice but to continue going until he reaches his goal, which is to be powerful and great. The metaphor of being "in blood" suggests that Macbeth has already committed many violent acts that he is associated with and connected with. The quote also suggests that Macbeth is aware of the consequences of his actions, but that he feels he has gone too far to turn back now and if he stopped, everything he has done has been for