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Free Will In Macbeth

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In his tragedy play Macbeth, Shakespeare utilizes the motif of freewill versus fate, Macbeth’s relationships, and characterization of Lady Macbeth to suggest that the corrupting force of power and greed not only debauches one’s moral but also ultimately leads to one’s self-destruction. Although many may argue that the role of supernatural beings account for Macbeth’s inevitable downfall, Shakespeare’s employment of a free will versus fate motif accentuates human nature’s so easily succumbing to temptation, resulting in demoralization. Immediately, from the opening of the play, the Three Witches, the supposed speakers of “truth” in Macbeth’s eyes, set in stone what fate and apparitions truly are with the paradoxical, foreshadowing statement of “Fair is foul, and foul is fair” (1.1.10.): fate, at the instantaneous moment, might appear to be a tangible forthcoming one, but in reality, the results may be opposite …show more content…

3. 70.; Hunter 230). Thus, Shakespeare makes a clear parallel with society and Macbeth, as both, in pursuit of fulfilling their ultimate goal of ascendancy, may even commit a murderous deed to get what they desire. Also, while Macbeth conscientiously “knows exactly what he is doing and is at all stages aware of his own progress”, from the first moment of encounter, he fails to prove his realization through actions, such as discontinuing his bloodshed scheme, and thereby loses the possibility of redemption (Moseley 364). His lust for power drives him so far that self-awareness starts to play a lesser role in his decisions and narrows his view of his ultimate goal of domination to merely the end, not the process. Hence, Macbeth inevitably gives life to the witches’ prophecies;

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