Topic > Macbeth: Fate vs. Free Will and Tragic Fall

Index IntroductionMacbeth's actions: Fate vs. Free WillThe influence of fate on MacbethConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionMacbeth's actions cannot be justified because they were the result of his free will. It was Macbeth's desire to become king that led him on his path of destruction and ruin, highlighting the ongoing conflict between fate and free will. If it weren't for his selfish desire to usurp the crown for himself, perhaps his actions could be justified. To begin with, Macbeth killed his cousin with his own hands. Although he was initially against the witches' prophecies, he soon became greedy for power, pointing to the influence of fate and free will in his choices. And although his wife convinced him to act, in the end he was the one who got blood on his hands, underlining his personal responsibility for his actions. In the play Macbeth states: “Then I have made up my mind. All my faculties will be developed for this terrible act. Let's go and spend our time as perfect hosts, we must hide our false heart behind a false face" (1,7,61). This shows that Macbeth decided to hide his true intentions behind false feelings and actions in order to have the opportunity to kill Duncan, suggesting his active role in shaping his destiny. This shows that Macbeth intentionally faked himself and his emotions to betray the very person who saw him as his brother, reflecting the intricate interplay between fate and free will throughout the play. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Macbeth's Actions: Fate vs. Free Will Taking everything into consideration, Macbeth's actions can never be justified as they are steeped in greed, betrayal, and blood. Another reason why Macbeth's actions cannot be justified is that he ordered the murder of his close friend Banquo and his son. Macbeth had become so drunk with power and obsessed with keeping it to himself that he killed Banquo, who the witches had prophesied as "father of the king." Fearful of losing his power and crown to Banquo's descendant, he stabs his dear friend in the back to preserve his throne. In the play, Macbeth recounts the murders: “It must be done this evening, far from the palace. Remember: I can't get involved. And also to do a clean job, I want his son Fleance, who will be with him, to share the same fate. Its removal is equally important to me, go talk about it. I will join you soon”, (3,1,130-35). This shows how cruel a man Macbeth can be. He even goes so far as to order the murder of Fleance, who is just a boy. Macbeth's greed shows no limits as he is a heartless man. The influence of fate on Macbeth Therefore, he does not deserve to be sympathized for his actions which cannot in any way be justified. However, some may disagree with this view and say that Macbeth's actions can be justified. Macbeth's actions can be justified from the beginning because he was simply a pawn of fate deceived by a power-hungry wife. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth was an honorable soldier, respected by all his fellow men and was willing to sacrifice his life for the good of his country. However, after meeting the three witches and hearing their prophecies, he began to change. It was as if they had planted a self-destruct button in Macbeth's mind, slowly leading him to his tragic end. In Act 1, after hearing the witches' prophecies, Macbeth thinks of the unthinkable and shudders so much at the thought. Macbeth says:”. 78-95.