Macbeth - fate vs free will

Question 1

1st paragraph - Macbeth interpretations

Answer 1

Shakespeare intricately explores the tension between fate and free will particularly through the protagonist, Macbeth. The play invites two interpretations: that Macbeth is a victim of fate (manipulated by the witches) or that Macbeth utilises his free will to choose his path of destruction. On one hand, the witches clearly have influence over him as he repeats their paradoxical chant in “such a fair and foul day I have not seen”. This could mean that they have already decided his fate – including killing King Duncan. However, on the other hand, the witches never instructed Macbeth to follow their prophecies which make him “king thereafter”, he had free will and chose to take it into his own hands and kill Duncan.

Question 2

2nd paragraph - Lady Macbeth’s willingness

Answer 2

Lady Macbeth however, clearly utilises her free will by actively summoning the witches to “unsex” here. This attempt to rid herself of her femininity shows her willingness and determination to be queen. Her manipulation of Macbeth through emasculation: “when you durst do it your were a man” pushes Macbeth to commit regicide, illustrating how Lady Macbeth uses her free will to shape Macbeth’s actions.

Question 3

3rd paragraph - Banquo’s free will

Answer 3

Banquo (who acts as a foil to Macbeth” provides an interesting contrast to these sinister characters in his righteous response to fate. After encountering the “weird sisters” he is already aware of their ambiguous nature as he believes they will win Macbeth “with honest trifles” but then “betray him in deepest consequences”. This magnifies his intelligence and moral integrity, resisting any urges to participate in the supernatural. Although his death was sealed by Macbeth, the audience understood him as a loyal, courageous character, using his free will to fight for what’s right.

Question 4

Different conclusion

Answer 4

Through the multitude of characters, Shakespeare portrays fate as a guiding force, but it is the characters’ choices that ultimately shape their outcomes.