Similarities Between Macbeth And Beowulf

I. Introduction paragraph
A. Introduction
Fate reflects the belief that events will unfold in a certain way regardless of the choice or action made, and brilliant men have thought deeply and philosophically about the role it plays in the lives of individuals. Therefore, it is not surprising that the theme is found in literature, including the classic works of Milton, Shakespeare, and Homer, as well as in epic poems of Anglo-Saxon times.
B. Introduction to the specific topics:
Two works that exemplify this theme are the epic poem Beowulf translated by Burton Raffel and William Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
C. Thesis statement:
Both Beowulf and Macbeth represent a culture that believes in fate and illustrates how it shapes human actions and decisions,

A. Both works depict fate as an external force that controls the characters’ lives, and their actions are often influenced by it.
1. Beowulf – God is the orchestrator. As the poem’s narrator stated, “God must decide / Who will be given to death’s cold grip,” not any of the characters nor any action they take (Lines 174-175). This belief leads to confidence and victory in battle.
2. Macbeth – The witch’s prophecies serve as a catalyst for destructive actions that seals the fate of Macbeth. This belief led to the killing of King Duncan, Banquo, Macduff’s family, and Macbeth’s demise.
B. In both works, fate decides the outcome; it is predetermined.
1. Beowulf praises God, “The fight would have ended straightaway if God had not guarded me,” and believes ultimately that “God must decide.” Destined by God to fight and win. Grendel was destined to lose in battle, as he bore “God’s hatred” (Lines 234) and was in a battle not only with Beowulf but he was in a “feud with Almighty God” (lines 333). Also, Beowulf’s victory over Grendel’s mother, “Holy / God, who sent him victory, gave judgment” (Lines 509-510). Beowulf’s victories were ordained by

Fate is evident when Macbeth says, “I am in blood / Stepped in so far that should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o’er” (3.4.136-138). This quote illustrates that Macbeth is trapped in his fate, and there is no turning back. His fate was sealed.
III. Topic sentence: While there are some similarities, there are differences between the portrayal of fate in Beowulf and Macbeth and how it influences the characters’ lives.
A. In Beowulf, characters accept fate as it is presented; they are resigned to it as predetermined by God. They offer no resistance as everything is in the hands of fate.
1. “Fate will unwind as it must” (Lines 189). Beowulf believes, whatever happens, is meant to happen. There is no changing destiny, whether in victory, defeat, or death.
2. Fate also plays a role in the lives of characters like Hrothgar and his kingdom, as they are fated to be plagued by monsters (Grendel and his mother) until Beowulf arrives to save them. This is what fate was preparing Beowulf for, to be the deliverer, victor, warrior, and hero. They had no choice in their destiny or the role they were to play in each other’s