Shakes

2.Elements of Fate

Throughout the play, there are several occasions

which may either be interpreted as manipulation of

Macbeth's character, or more dramatically as prophecies

of his inevitable destiny. The most important of these

elements are the supernatural witches. When Macbeth first

meets the Witches (I.iii.) - seemingly by accident - they

call him titles which have not yet been bestowed upon

him. It is unclear whether the Witches plant the idea of

earning these titles by foul play to Macbeth's head, or

whether it is a prophecy of future. Either way, their

words eventually become reality.

The further encounters with the Weyward Sisters and

Hecate strengthens the idea of a preset destiny. The

three apparitions summoned by the witches (IV.i.) and the

prophecies that go together with them are all visions of

the future. Unfortunaly for Macbeth he manages to read

these manifestations of his destiny all wrong.

Another important 'fatal' element for Macbeth is

Lady Macbeth. She is also heavily manipulating Macbeth

(II.ii.), although she does not have the supernatural

qualities of the Witches. She is clearly a woman driven

by an infinite lust for power. However, the only way for

her to fulfill her personal agenda is through her

husband, Macbeth. Lady Macbeth's character can be easily

interpreted as a manifestation of the darker side of the

human mind, an instrument between Macbeth and the

realization of his inevitable destiny.

3.Free Will Diminished

When Macbeth has become King and felt power, he

doesn't want to give it up. At first he wasn't at peace

because he wanted the throne, but hesitated to carry out

the murder. Now that he has the throne, he loses his

peace with the prospect of losing the crown. His only

choice now is to kill Banquo and Fleance. He is trying to

work against prophecy - the third apparition - something