The butterfly effect is a widely-known phenomenon that concerns the idea that small actions, such as eating a chocolate bar, can have substantial effects and even alter one's career and the lives of those around them. The meaning of fate continues to be a widely debated topic. Some believe that individuals have the power to create their own fate, while others believe that one's life is predetermined. The great ancient Greek tragedian Sophocles believed that one cannot escape fate "by wealth or war. No fort will keep it out, no ships outrun it." Similarly, Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" demonstrates the story of a young man who lets his own ambitions destroy himself. When Macbeth is told his fate is to become king, he expedited this process by …show more content…
After Macbeth hears Duncan declare Malcolm as the Prince of Cawdor and the heir to Scotland, he thinks to himself, "Stars, hide your fires; /not light see my black and deep desires" (1.4.55-60). Macbeth is not happy with waiting anymore, and he decides he must take action to overcome the obstacles in his path to the throne. When people think of acting immorally, they might reflect on themselves and see darkness and evil. Thus, like Macbeth, they want to be unseen because these characteristics should not be brought to light. Macbeth is originally hesitant to follow through with his wife's plan to murder, however, Lady Macbeth disapproves of his fears and argues that, "Which fate and metaphysical aid don't seem /To have thee crown'd withal." In Lady Macbeth's eyes, the witches imply that Macbeth should act upon the prophecy and become king as quickly as possible because it is his fate, and she is afraid her husband will not take advantage of the opportunity to take the crown. Lady Macbeth is one of many external factors that Shakespeare incorporated to demonstrate how an individual's decision-making process can be heavily influenced by others. Likewise, people will try to do many things to get what they want, even if they are