Macduff's Determination In Macbeth

In his play, Macbeth, William Shakespeare explores the various means by which determination can shape and influence a person’s life. Determination is especially present in the characters of Macduff, and Lady Macbeth, and most significantly in the titular protagonist Macbeth. Determination plays a positive role in Macduff's personal development. His story reveals the beneficial effects of determination in an individual's life. In contrast, Lady Macbeth's personal story illustrates the dangers of determination. Macbeth’s determination can be interpreted as both positive and negative. Determination is an efficient tool to achieve goals in life, but it has its advantages and disadvantages. A boundless level of determination can make an individual

At the beginning of the play, three witch sisters told him that he would become Thane of Cawdor and the King of Scotland. Right after they told him about the prophecies, Macbeth was told that he did in fact become Thane of Cawdor. Since that prophecy came true, he began to wonder if the prophecy about him becoming King would come true. When Lady Macbeth found out about the prophecies, Lady Macbeth convinced and influenced Macbeth to kill the King so that the prophecy could come true. Macbeth was reluctant to kill the king, but that reluctance was soon overcome by the sheer determination for power that grew inside of him. For example, his reluctance is displayed when he says to

They then become King and Queen. Macbeth’s determination can be looked at positively here because it led to his personal growth and it allowed him to fight to get what he wants. However, this doesn't justify the murder he committed. His determination blinded him from his morals. As the play progresses his determination starts to consume him. For instance, he commits multiple murders after he gets the title of King. The murder of his own friend Banquo, the attempted murder of Banquo's son Fleance, and the murder of Macduff's family all were committed to fueling his growing obsession with maintaining his status and power. Nearing the end of the play, his determination completely takes over him and leads to his downfall. The witches give Macbeth more insight near the end of the play, communicated through visions and apparitions. The apparitions tell macbeth: “Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth, beware Macduff; / Beware the Thane of Fife. Dismiss me, enough” (V. i. 78-79), “None of woman born / Shall harm Macbeth.” (V. i. 87-89), and Macbeth shall never vanquished be, until / Great Birnam wood / to high Dunsinane hill / Shall come against him. (V. i. 101-103.) These visions lead Macbeth to be so blindsided that he puts himself in danger. Macbeth completely ignores the first and second prophecies and becomes so determined to not be harmed that when a war is declared against him, he thinks he is invincible. The