Depiction of Free Will by Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, Macbeth by William Shakespeare, and “The Guest” by Albert Camus Is there free will in the human life? In the short stories Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, Macbeth by William Shakespeare, and “The Guest” by Albert Camus portrays how the protagonists uses free will to fulfill their desires. By the ideas of a higher superior, Oedipus, Macbeth, and the Arab in The Guest are able to independently decide their course of life. For example, Oedipus continues to make his own choices for his desire to find out who killed King Laius. In Macbeth, He heard his prophecy from the three witches and acts on his own will to do whatever is necessary to make his prophecy come true. The Arab was given two paths to choose and he independently decide the path of redemption. The works of these …show more content…
Macbeth uses fate as an excuse to execute his plan to fulfill his desires. His prophecy is to become king but it does not say how. “If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me Without my stir.” When he took matters in his own hands it is hard to tell if being king is the result of fate. His prophecy did not require him to do anything to be king, but the fact that he did do something shows that he freely decided on his decision. Macbeth’s free will causes destruction to oneself and others. Every choice he makes on his own desire, will merely affect others harshly. He encountered the witches that told him to beware of Macduff. “Beware Macduff, beware the Thane of fire. The power of man, for none born of women, shall harm Macbeth (III, i, ll. 75-76).” He immediately ordered the murderers to kill Macduff’s wife and child. Though the prophecy told Macbeth to beware of Macduff, it does not tell Macbeth how to act. Macbeth’s decision to kill Macduff’s family is led by his own choice and fate has nothing to do with