Is Macbeth's downfall an act of fate or is he a victim of his own free will? Pick a side and defend your essay with at least two examples from the text. (4 Points)
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4 points
Macbeth's downfall is primarily a result of his own free will rather than an act of fate. Throughout the renowned play by William Shakespeare, Macbeth consistently makes choices that lead him down a destructive path, driven by his ambition and desire for power. While there are elements of fate present in the story, such as the prophecies of the witches, it is ultimately Macbeth's own actions and decisions that seal his tragic fate.
One crucial event that showcases Macbeth's agency in his downfall is his decision to murder King Duncan. Despite the initial temptation created by the witches' prophecies, Macbeth ultimately chooses to take matters into his own hands. After much contemplation and a wavering conscience, he persuades himself that killing Duncan is the only way to secure his position as king. In Act 1, Scene 7, Macbeth states, "I am settled and bend up / Each corporal agent to this terrible feat," indicating his resolve to proceed with the heinous act. This decision is entirely within Macbeth's control and showcases his willingness to ignore moral boundaries in pursuit of power.
Moreover, Macbeth's subsequent actions further demonstrate his free will in causing his downfall. After Duncan's murder, Macbeth spirals into a web of paranoia and ruthless violence. He becomes consumed by his fear of losing the crown, leading him to order the deaths of Banquo and Macduff's family. These actions are driven by his own insecurities rather than any external forces beyond his control. Macbeth himself acknowledges this in Act 3, Scene 4, when he says, "I am in blood / Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o'er." This confession exhibits how Macbeth's choice to commit these atrocities has placed him in a position where he feels there is no turning back.
While it can be argued that the witches' prophecies set the stage for Macbeth's downfall, it is ultimately his own choices that lead to his tragic end. Macbeth freely chooses to believe in the witches and acts upon their prophecies, but he also has the ability to ignore or defy them. Additionally, the seething ambition and unchecked greed that drive him to kill show that his decisions are not determined by outside forces but rather the darkness within his own character.
In conclusion, Macbeth's downfall is mainly a result of his own free will and not an act of fate. Throughout the play, his choices and actions shape his tragic fate, driven by his ambition and desire for power. While the witches' prophecies influence his decisions, it is ultimately Macbeth who takes the steps that lead to his downfall, including the murder of Duncan and the subsequent acts of violence. Shakespeare's play provides an important lesson about the consequences of allowing unchecked ambition to control one's actions.