Macbeth Fate Vs Free Will Research Paper

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If someone is told that they will become a millionaire in the future, will they spend their money right away or wait until they have it? Fate is the concept that destinies have been predetermined regardless of one’s choices, whereas free will is the idea that one can choose their destiny. In most cases, people have a choice in their own destiny. William Shakespeare's play, "The Tragedy of Macbeth", Macbeth is told the prophecy that he would first be named Thane of Cawdor then king, however he misinterprets it and goes to extreme lengths to become king, ultimately resulting in the deaths of Duncan and Banquo. Macbeth is driven by his craving for power, causing him to think deeper to achieve his fate. When Macbeth first learns of the idea of becoming king, he further thinks of ways how he can achieve the title as soon as possible. Macbeth, receiving Thane of Cawdor, had just experienced a taste of power and wanted more. Macbeth proceeds, "Stars, hide your fires;/ Let not light see my black and deep desires:/ The eye wink at the hand; yet let that be,/ Which the eye fears, when it is done, to see." 1.4.50-53. The 'Secondary' of the 'Secondary' of the 'Secondary' of the …show more content…

For instance, when Macbeth understands that things are not aligning with his expectations, he changes the situation in the way he wants it. He keeps in mind that the witches had mentioned Banquo’s children becoming king and sees Banquo as a burden. Macbeth expresses, "To be thus is nothing; But to be safely thus./Our fears in Banquo/Reigns that which would be feared: 'tis much he dares; /And, to that dauntless temper of his mind,/To act in safety" (3.1.52-59). Macbeth recognizes Banquo as a threat, a potential challenge to the throne. He feels that the only way to secure his position is to eliminate Banquo, so he takes matters into his own hands. At this point, Macbeth has made irreversible actions guided by his own will, not

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