Topic: Fate vs. Free Will
Introductory Paragraph:
Macbeth, one of the most well-known plays, wirtten by the inspiring poetic writer Shakespeare, is about of one’s willing power to do anything for the sake of being king. Both Macbeth (protagonist) and Lady Macbeth always had the desire of becoming king, however at one point during the play, Macbeth beomes king by completing a crucial deed which leads to his downfall. The play Macbeth, is very debatable whether fate or free will is responsible for Macbeth’s actions. Shakespeare balances fate and free will in Macbeth to create a sense of the unknown. However, it is believed that fate is responsible for Macbeth’s actions.
Thesis:
Due to fulfilled prophecies and illusions that were casted by a spell reveals that fate is responsible for Macbeth’s actions.
Claim 1:
Despite Macbeth’s willling power to kill the king, it is fullfilled that the prophecies of the witches and appartions does occur in reality. In short, the prophecies reveal the future of his fate.
Evidence 1: “All hail Macbeth! hail to thee thane of Glamis All hail Macbeth! hail to thee thane of Cawdor
All hail Macbeth! that shalt be king hereafter”

Elaboration: According to the quote above, this is when the witches start to prophesize Macbeth’s future, by planting the idea in his mind of becoming king. Moreover, the witches who are also known as the wierd sisters, knows that Macbeth wants to be king, and knows that Macbeth would become king according to their prophecy. However, the witches reveal to Macbeth that he will become king, but does not reveal how he will become king because it would change his fate.Futhermore, Macbeth starts to believe the wierd sisters because Ross has informed him that he has recieved the title of thane of Cawdor. Later on the play, it reveals that he becomes king by killing Duncan. This is evident that the witches prophecies are true, therefore fate is responsible for Macbeth’s actions.

Evidence 2: “Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn The power of man, for none of woman born Shall harm Macbeth”

Elaboration:

The quote stated above reveals that “only a woman born can kill Macbeth” according to the witches. Macbeth assumes that the witches meant only woman born can kill Macbeth. Due to this assumption, Macbeth gains confidence that he would not die by Macduff or any other man, so he decides to start a battle with Malcom who is the Prince of Cumberland. During the battle, Macbeth was so confident that he arms himself and confronts the approaching army. Macduff reveals that he was not born but “untimely ripped” from his mother’s womb. In short, Macduff was not a woman born and he has the ability to kill Macbeth. According to the prophecy, Macduff kills Macbeth which proves that the witches prophecy is true, therefore fate is responsible for Macbeth’s actions.

Evidence 3:

“Mabeth, Macbeth, Macbeth.
Beware Macduff. Beware the Thane of Fife”

Elaboration:

The quote “ Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth. Beware Macduff. Beware the Thane of Fife” shows that the appartions are warning Macbeth to be aware of Macduff. Moreover, Macbeth has so much confidence on himself during the battle when he was competing the Prince of Cumberland. He soon realized that he was going to lose when Macduff revealed Macbeth that he was not born but “untimely ripped” from his mother’s womb. Macduff kills Macbeth. Therefore, the prophecy of the appartions became true which proves that fate is responsible for Macbeth’s actions.

Claim 2:
Despite Macbeth’s feelings, actions, and emotions, its beleived that the three witches are responsible for Macbeth illusions in order to force Macbeth to follow his own fate.

Evidence 1:

[The GHOST OF BANQUO enters, and sits in MACBETH's place ]
MACBETH
Here had we now our country's honour roof'd,

Were the graced person of our Banquo present;

Who may I rather challenge for unkindness