Macbeth And Free Will Essay

Life is full of choices. It is in these times of decision-making that we must use our free will and be able to recognize the difference between right and wrong to consciously make the right call. Throughout the play, Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, the protagonist, Macbeth, is faced with many decisions and is influenced by various characters, including, his wife, Lady Macbeth, the three withes, and his own conscious mind. Although he possesses free will, he frequently chooses to do what others want of him. Incontestably, the foregoing idea to become king is first brought to Macbeth’s attention by the three witches. At Macbeth’s first meeting with the three witches, he becomes intrigued by their prophecies. His curiosity wills him to demand further information. “Stay, you imperfect speakers. Tell me more.” (1.3 68) After first hearing the prophecies, he automatically begins to lose self-control and and becomes unable to withhold himself from knowing more about the witches’ predictions. Macbeth becomes aware of the fact that fate has …show more content…
After the witches prophesize his future, Macbeth gains the drive to surpass any obstacle that gets in his way to becoming king. Like any human, he doubts himself and his conscience begins to guilt its way through. Then, Lady Macbeth is able to reassure him and give him the extra push he needs to commit the deeds; however, although he is given the drive and the push, Macbeth persistently fails to think for himself and the possible consequences of his actions. The witches, Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, himself, all were partially responsible for his tragic death. Nonetheless, at the end of the day, it was Macbeth’s decision to ignore the angel, and follow the devil on this shoulder. In choosing to do wrong, the collection of all his actions that lead him higher in his journey up the ladder to kingship, also lead him many steps closer to the end of his