Free Will is a Man’s Downfall Free will, as defined by Dictionary.com, is “the ability to think, choose, and act voluntarily.” In Macbeth, William Shakespeare introduces the idea of free will to the readers. The author explores this idea through his main character, Macbeth. Shakespeare shows how free will caused Macbeth to carry out such horrific actions towards his people. As a result, King Duncan, Banquo, and Macduff’s family are all victims of Macbeth’s murderous crimes. Thus, by presenting the audience with the gruesome deaths of the three people, Shakespeare shows how free will caused Macbeth to lose control of himself and how it led to his downfall.
In Act 1, Scene 3, Macbeth and Banquo meets with the three witches. “Two truths are told, As happy prologues to the swelling act Of the imperial theme...If good, why do I yield to that suggestion Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, Against the use of nature?” (Shakespeare 23). After listening to their prophecies, Macbeth starts to think about killing King Duncan. Since Macbeth believed the witches, him becoming king was destined to …show more content…
In Act 3, Scene 1, Macbeth invites Banquo to a feast. He asks Banquo about his whereabouts on his ride and then tells his plans to the two murderers who will carry out the mission. Macbeth had murdered Duncan and is now finally the king of Scotland. Nonetheless, this was not enough for him. In order to make sure that his position is secured, he thinks about getting rid of the people who he thinks can be a threat to him. One of these people is Banquo. Macbeth fears Banquo because his children would eventually become the king of Scotland. Macbeth then decides to challenge fate. “Rather than so, come fate into the list, And champion me to the’ utterance,” (Shakespeare 85). As a result, of his own free will, he comes to the decision that the only way to ensure his crown is to kill
In Act 1, Scene 3, Macbeth and Banquo meets with the three witches. “Two truths are told, As happy prologues to the swelling act Of the imperial theme...If good, why do I yield to that suggestion Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair And make my seated heart knock at my ribs, Against the use of nature?” (Shakespeare 23). After listening to their prophecies, Macbeth starts to think about killing King Duncan. Since Macbeth believed the witches, him becoming king was destined to …show more content…
In Act 3, Scene 1, Macbeth invites Banquo to a feast. He asks Banquo about his whereabouts on his ride and then tells his plans to the two murderers who will carry out the mission. Macbeth had murdered Duncan and is now finally the king of Scotland. Nonetheless, this was not enough for him. In order to make sure that his position is secured, he thinks about getting rid of the people who he thinks can be a threat to him. One of these people is Banquo. Macbeth fears Banquo because his children would eventually become the king of Scotland. Macbeth then decides to challenge fate. “Rather than so, come fate into the list, And champion me to the’ utterance,” (Shakespeare 85). As a result, of his own free will, he comes to the decision that the only way to ensure his crown is to kill