The Role Of Control In Macbeth

At first glance, it is difficult for readers to distinguish the amount of control Macbeth has over his choices. Sometimes it seems like he is completely in the know of his choices and sometimes it doesn’t because of his reactions to the results of his choices after they occur. Throughout the play, a lot of the choices Macbeth makes are out of his control. Ranging from the simplest choice of believing total stranger to the difficult choice of murdering important people, these decisions teach us that the choices you make can make you lose control over the bloodshed you create, the sleep you get, and your entire life. In the beginning, Macbeth seemingly had control over his life from the start. He was a thane that fought for his country because he wanted to and because it was his duty, he was a brave warrior, and he was a loyal kinsman to …show more content…
The first choice Macbeth made that was not of his own opinion was when he decided to kill Duncan. Referring back to his prophecy, the third witch had exclaimed, “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” (Act 1 Scene 3 Line 53). His immediate thought was to murder Duncan and he had sent out a letter to Lady Macbeth telling her the plan. Macbeth had shown some hesitation when the time to kill Duncan had been near. He had tried to make it less of a horrifying action by saying if he did it quick it wouldn’t be as bad but he reverts back to the hesitation as he claims that he shouldn’t be doing this since he is Duncan’s subject and that it wouldn’t be very hospitable to kill his guest. Lady Macbeth comes in as he is talking to himself and scolds him for leaving the feast they were having with Duncan and the others. Macbeth then expresses his doubts to her and she responds by saying that he is breaking a promise and that, if the situation were reversed, she would rather kill her baby than break