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  • Essay / Macbeth and the Prince: representation of destiny and free will

    Table of contentsIntroductionThe role of destiny and free will in MacbethMachiavelli's economy of violenceBalancing violence and virtue in The PrinceConclusionWorks citedIntroductionIn Macbeth, interpretations of Destiny and free will which emphasize one's freedom ignore the fundamental dynamic principles of the play. Shakespeare introduces Hecate, the witches, and their prophecies precisely to show how Macbeth's actions are driven by forces beyond his control. The story of Macbeth is not the story of a man in control of himself, but rather of a fundamentally fragile man, driven both by supernatural forces and by his wife in ways that he would never have chosen for himself. To hold Macbeth responsible is to miss precisely what Shakespeare wants us to see: how little control we have over what we do. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Role of Fate and Free Will in Macbeth I disagree with the above statement about the influence of fate in the play Macbeth. It cannot be denied that supernatural forces play an important role in the play. The role of supernatural forces makes the dynamics of the play so fascinating. It is true that before these supernatural agents appeared in the play, Macbeth was minding his own business and was a great soldier. Additionally, the revelation of the prophecies by three witches, strange sisters, sets off a chain of events that lead to them becoming king and ultimately being killed. But it is Macbeth's free will that determined how this destiny will come true and how the event will unfold. When Macbeth first hears the witches' prophecy, as he contemplates killing Duncan, he says, "If chance would have me king, why should chance crown me?" without stirring” (Act 1, scene 3). Knowing the consequences of killing Duncan, Macbeth decides not to kill him. He obviously has free will to go ahead and plan Duncan's murder or not, which means he is exercising free will. However, later in the act when Lady Macbeth insults him and says he is a coward and needs courage. This insult to his manhood is what changes Macbeth's mind and causes him to murder Duncan, something he could easily have chosen not to do. This decision of Macbeth is not something predetermined by fate; rather, it is his free will to commit the crime or not. Additionally, another example that shows how Macbeth practices his free will is when Lady Macbeth says, “Yet I fear thy nature. he is too full of the milk of human kindness to be able to take the nearest path” (Act 1, scene 5). Lady Macbeth is afraid that Macbeth's kindness and gentleness will dissuade him from killing Duncan. It is important to note that Macbeth is a great soldier, Thane of Cawdor, a person famous for his abilities in war. This shows that he knows that killing the king is wrong and has consequences. Although Lady Macbeth influences Macbeth's thoughts, it is up to his own conscience and has the choice whether or not to agree to kill the king. Additionally, in later events in the play, such as the murder of his friend Banquo and Macduff's family, Macbeth has the freedom to choose whether to kill or not, in no way is this predetermined by fate or prophecies witches. Ultimately, the power of supernatural forces and destiny is significant in the play as well as in real life. The influence of others on us, like that of Lady Macbeth on Macbeth, is something inevitable. However, I