Fate vs. Free Will

These flashcards are for the theme of 'Fate vs. Free Will' in Macbeth.

What is the central tension regarding 'Fate vs. Free Will' in 'Macbeth'?

The central tension is whether Macbeth's downfall is predestined by the Witches' prophecies (fate) or a result of his own choices and ambition (free will).

How does Shakespeare structurally introduce the theme of 'Fate vs. Free Will' at the very start of the play?

By opening the play with the Witches, Shakespeare immediately establishes the supernatural as a significant force, prompting the audience to question whether they control events or merely predict them.

What is the significance of the Witches' line, 'Fair is foul, and foul is fair'?

This paradox introduces a key motif of appearance versus reality and moral ambiguity, suggesting the world of the play is chaotic and that the prophecies themselves may be deceptive, requiring human interpretation and action.

What Jacobean context makes the Witches' influence particularly potent for the play's original audience?

King James I's deep interest in and fear of witchcraft, detailed in his book 'Daemonologie', meant a Jacobean audience would perceive the Witches as a real and powerful threat, representing the influence of fate or demonic temptation.

Macbeth's first line, 'So foul and fair a day I have not seen,' echoes the Witches' chant. What does this suggest?

It immediately links Macbeth's character to the supernatural and the theme of moral confusion, foreshadowing his susceptibility to their influence and his own internal conflict.

In what way do the Witches' prophecies act as a catalyst for Macbeth's actions?

They ignite his pre-existing ambition; they do not create it, but give voice to his 'black and deep desires,' prompting him to exercise his free will to make them a reality.

How does Banquo's reaction to the Witches' prophecies contrast with Macbeth's, and what does this reveal about free will?

Banquo is skeptical and wary ('neither beg nor fear'), demonstrating that an individual can hear a prophecy yet choose not to be corrupted by it, highlighting free will and moral choice.

Which quotation from Banquo shows his suspicion that the Witches might use truth to cause damnation?

He warns that the 'instruments of darkness' often 'tell us truths, / Win us with honest trifles, to betray's / In deepest consequence'.

In Act 1 Scene 7, Macbeth states he has 'no spur / To prick the sides of my intent, but only / _'. What is the missing phrase?

Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself / And falls on th'other.

What is the significance of Macbeth identifying his own 'vaulting ambition' as his only motive for killing Duncan?

It is a moment of clear self-awareness where Macbeth admits his actions are driven by personal choice (free will) and a character flaw (hamartia), not by supernatural compulsion.

How does Lady Macbeth's manipulation, such as questioning Macbeth's masculinity ('When you durst do it, then you were a man'), relate to the theme of free will?

Her persuasion is a powerful external pressure, but Macbeth ultimately makes the conscious choice to act; she influences his free will but does not negate it.

What does Lady Macbeth's plea to the spirits to 'unsex me here' demonstrate about her own agency?

It shows her exercising her free will to reject her perceived 'feminine' nature and actively align herself with evil forces to achieve her ambitious goals.

The dagger Macbeth hallucinates in Act 2 Scene 1 is a key symbol. How does it represent the conflict between fate and free will?

The dagger could be a supernatural omen sent to guide him (fate), but Macbeth himself questions if it is 'A dagger of the mind, a false creation,' suggesting it is a manifestation of his own murderous intent (free will).

After murdering Duncan, Macbeth laments that he has murdered _, a motif representing the natural order he has destroyed through his own actions.

Sleep.

How does Macbeth's decision to murder Banquo demonstrate an attempt to defy fate?

He tries to prevent the prophecy that Banquo's sons will be kings from coming true, actively using his free will to fight against a predestined outcome.

In Act 3 Scene 1, Macbeth states, 'For Banquo's issue have I filed my mind… To make them kings, the seed of Banquo kings!' What does this reveal about his view of fate?

It reveals his resentment that his own sinful actions (free will) might have only served to cement a fateful destiny for Banquo's descendants, not his own.

In Act 4 Scene 1, Macbeth actively seeks out the Witches for more prophecies. How is this an act of free will?

Instead of letting fate unfold, he chooses to pursue supernatural knowledge, demonstrating his desire to control his destiny and eliminate threats, which ironically leads him to deeper damnation.

The apparitions in Act 4 Scene 1 deliver prophecies that are deliberately _, playing on Macbeth's desire to believe he is invincible.

Equivocal (ambiguous or double-meaning).

How does the prophecy 'none of woman born / Shall harm Macbeth' exemplify the deceptive nature of fate in the play?

It creates a false sense of security that leads Macbeth to act recklessly, but its hidden meaning (Macduff's Caesarean birth) reveals that fate is not straightforward and can be misinterpreted.

The prophecy about Birnam Wood coming to Dunsinane seems impossible. How does its fulfillment show the interplay of fate and human action?

The prophecy is fulfilled not by supernatural means, but by Malcolm's military strategy (an act of free will), showing how human choices can be the very mechanism through which fate operates.

What is Macbeth's tragic flaw, or 'hamartia,' and how does it relate to free will?

His 'hamartia' is his unchecked ambition, a personal character flaw that drives his choices and leads to his downfall, firmly placing responsibility on his own free will.

The structure of the play as a _ supports the theme of free will, as it focuses on a protagonist whose own flaws and choices cause a reversal of fortune.

Tragedy.

What is the key difference between Macbeth and Banquo in terms of their agency?

Both are presented with prophecies, but Banquo resists temptation and maintains his moral integrity, whereas Macbeth chooses to act on his ambition with violence.

Does Macbeth have a choice after hearing the initial prophecy?

Yes; his startled reaction and subsequent thoughts of murder ('whose horrid image doth unfix my hair') suggest the idea was already latent within him, and the prophecy simply provided an opportunity to act on it.

When Macbeth decides 'chance may crown me, / Without my stir,' what is he momentarily considering?

He is considering letting fate take its course without him taking any violent action, a path of inaction he quickly abandons.

The appearance of Banquo's ghost at the banquet is a pivotal moment. Is it a supernatural event (fate) or a psychological one (a consequence of free will)?

It can be interpreted as either a genuine spirit holding him accountable (fate) or a manifestation of his guilt over a murder he chose to commit (free will), blurring the line between the two.

How does Shakespeare use the motif of blood to symbolize the consequences of Macbeth's choices?

Blood symbolizes the guilt from his freely chosen actions, which cannot be washed away ('Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood…'), representing the permanent stain of his sins.

By the end of the play, Macbeth feels trapped by fate, saying life 'is a tale / Told by an idiot… Signifying nothing.' What does this nihilistic view suggest?

It suggests that his own choices have led him to a state of despair where he feels his life has no meaning and that he is merely a 'poor player' with no real control, a direct result of his earlier abuse of free will.

Ultimately, are the Witches' prophecies self-fulfilling?

Yes, the prophecies come true precisely because Macbeth, through his own free will and ambition, takes the specific violent actions required to make them happen.

What is Shakespeare's final message about Fate and Free Will in 'Macbeth'?

Shakespeare suggests that while external forces (fate, prophecy) may present a path, it is an individual's choices, driven by their character and ambition (free will), that determine their destiny and for which they are morally responsible.

In Act 1 Scene 3, Banquo recognizes the witches as unnatural, yet Macbeth ignores this because he ____ to believe their prophecies.

wants

How does Macbeth's command to the witches, 'stay, you imperfect speakers,' contrast with Banquo's composure?

It reveals Macbeth's immediate desperation to engage with and control his supposed fate, whereas Banquo remains detached and skeptical.

The original source, Holinshed's Chronicles, called the weird sisters the 'goddesses of destine'. Why was Shakespeare's change to mere witches significant?

By changing them to witches, Shakespeare limits their power, giving Macbeth more choice and agency, thus making him more directly responsible for his actions.

How does Duncan naming Malcolm as heir in Act 1 Scene 4 act as a crucial turning point for Macbeth's free will?

It closes the path of waiting for 'chance' to make him king and forces Macbeth to decide whether to 'o'erleap' this obstacle through murder, making his subsequent actions a clear choice.

What is the significance of Macbeth's line, 'Stars, hide your fires; / Let not light see my black and deep desires'?

It is an admission of his own evil intentions and a conscious choice to hide his ambition, showing he is aware of the immorality of the path he is choosing.

In the context of fate, what does Macbeth's decision to have Macduff's family slaughtered represent?

It represents a complete abandonment of reason in favor of brutal violence to secure his fate, showing how his free will has become entirely corrupted.

At the end, Macbeth refuses to 'play the Roman fool and die / On mine own sword.' What does this choice signify?

It signifies a final act of will where, despite knowing his fate, he chooses to die fighting as the warrior he once was, rather than submitting passively.

Could Macbeth be seen as a victim of fate?

While he is influenced by the prophecies, the play consistently portrays him making conscious, immoral choices, making him a victim of his own ambition rather than fate.

How does the concept of the Divine Right of Kings relate to Macbeth's exercise of free will?

By choosing to kill Duncan, God's chosen representative, Macbeth is consciously choosing to disrupt the divine and natural order, an ultimate act of sinful free will.

What role does 'equivocation' play in the theme of fate?

Equivocation, or the use of ambiguous language, is the Witches' primary tool, making 'fate' appear certain while hiding truths that Macbeth's own choices and interpretations will ultimately reveal.

When Macbeth learns the truth about Macduff's birth, he initially refuses to fight. What does this show about his reliance on the prophecy?

It shows his confidence was entirely based on a misinterpretation of a fated prophecy, and when that crumbles, his will to fight temporarily disappears.

Why is it important that Macbeth, not the Witches, is the play's tragic hero?

It centers the tragedy on human flaw and choice (free will), rather than on the whims of supernatural beings (fate), making the play a moral exploration of ambition.

The Witches' power is presented as that of prophecy rather than _, emphasizing Macbeth's agency.

direction

Does Shakespeare suggest that fate is inescapable?

No, through the character of Banquo, Shakespeare suggests that while fate might be foretold, succumbing to its temptations is a moral choice that can be resisted.

In his final moments, Macbeth's choice to fight Macduff despite the prophecy is an assertion of what?

It is a final, desperate assertion of his own will and warrior identity against the certainty of his fated doom.

The chaos in nature after Duncan's death (e.g., horses eating each other) symbolizes the disruption of the natural order caused by what?

It symbolizes the disruption caused by Macbeth's unnatural choice to commit regicide, a violation of the Great Chain of Being.

What is the relationship between ambition and free will in the play?

Ambition is the internal motivation that drives Macbeth to exercise his free will in the most destructive ways possible.

When Lady Macbeth cannot wash the 'damned spot' of blood from her hands, what does this symbolize about her earlier choices?

It symbolizes that the psychological consequences of her freely-chosen evil acts are inescapable and have permanently stained her conscience.

Macbeth's thought, 'whose murder yet is but fantastical,' shows that the idea of regicide is a product of his own _, not a direct command from the Witches.

imagination (or mind)

The play can be interpreted as a warning about allowing _ to be governed by ambition rather than morality.

free will

How does the concept of a 'self-fulfilling prophecy' connect fate and free will?

A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when a predicted event (fate) is made to happen by the conscious actions (free will) of those who believe in it.

In what way is Macbeth's journey a perversion of the idea of 'making your own destiny'?

He actively tries to shape his destiny through free will, but by using immoral means (murder, tyranny), he only succeeds in bringing about his own fated destruction.

The Witches' prophecy for Banquo ('Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none') comes true without any direct action from him. What does this suggest about fate?

It suggests that some aspects of fate may be unavoidable and can unfold without sinful human intervention, contrasting with Macbeth's bloody path.

Why might a Jacobean audience have interpreted Macbeth's downfall as a divine punishment for his choices?

Given the belief in the Divine Right of Kings, a Jacobean audience would see his act of regicide as a sin against God, making his eventual death a just and fated punishment for his exercise of free will.

Macbeth's inability to say 'Amen' after the murder signifies his separation from what, as a result of his choice?

It signifies his separation from God and divine grace, a direct consequence of his sinful act.

Does Lady Macbeth believe in fate or free will when she plans the murder?

She seems to believe in a combination, acknowledging that fate has 'crowned' Macbeth but that human action (her 'valour of my tongue') is needed to achieve it.

When Macbeth says 'come fate into the list, / And champion me to th'utterance!', what is he challenging?

He is challenging fate to a fight to the death, trying to use his own will to overcome the prophecy about Banquo's heirs.

The Witches are described as having 'beards,' making their gender ambiguous. How does this link to the theme of fate?

Their unnatural appearance reinforces their connection to a chaotic, unnatural world where the normal rules do not apply, making their influence on Macbeth's destiny seem more potent and strange.

At what point does Macbeth fully surrender to a violent path, abandoning his moral conflict?

After seeing Banquo's ghost, he states, 'I am in blood / Stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o'er,' signifying his choice to continue his bloody course.

How does Hecate's speech in Act 3 Scene 5 (often thought not to be by Shakespeare) diminish Macbeth's free will?

Hecate claims she will 'draw him on to his confusion' with magical illusions, suggesting Macbeth becomes more of a puppet to the witches' direct manipulation.

Macbeth's belief that 'no man that's born of woman / Shall e'er have power upon thee' is an example of him being tricked by _.

equivocation

What is the ultimate irony in Macbeth's attempts to control his fate?

The very actions he takes to secure his power and defy negative prophecies are what directly lead to their fulfillment and his own downfall.

In the end, who is most responsible for the tragedy of Macbeth?

Macbeth himself is most responsible, as the play emphasizes his internal struggles, his ambition, and the conscious choices he makes to commit evil deeds.

The restoration of Malcolm, the rightful heir, to the throne at the end of the play signifies a return to what?

It signifies a return to the natural and divine order that Macbeth's choices had disrupted.

If the Witches represent temptation, Macbeth's choice to listen and act represents the concept of The _ of Man.

Fall

What does the 'fruitless crown' and 'barren sceptre' symbolize for Macbeth in relation to fate?

They symbolize a dead-end destiny; he has achieved the crown through his actions, but fate has decreed his lineage will not continue.

The motif of sleepwalking and sleeplessness is a direct psychological consequence of the characters' _.

choices (and guilt)

Why is Banquo's ghost a more powerful symbol of guilt than the dagger?

Because Banquo was Macbeth's friend, his murder was a conscious betrayal born of paranoia, making the ghost a direct manifestation of a personal, freely-willed crime.

What might Shakespeare be suggesting by having the prophecies fulfilled in mundane, non-magical ways (e.g., an army carrying branches)?

He may be suggesting that 'fate' is often just the logical outcome of human actions and interpretations, rather than a purely supernatural force.

Macbeth's downfall is a journey from noble warrior to 'dead butcher.' Is this journey dictated by fate or free will?

It is dictated by free will; each step down is a specific, violent choice made by Macbeth himself.

What is the function of the character of Macduff in the theme of fate vs. free will?

Macduff becomes the instrument of Macbeth's fate, but his actions are driven by a personal choice for revenge, blurring the line between a fated agent and a man acting on his own will.

Could the Witches' prophecies be interpreted as psychological projections of Macbeth's own ambition?

Yes, a modern interpretation could argue they are not real entities but externalizations of his own 'black and deep desires,' representing an internal struggle rather than a supernatural one.

The play's exploration of fate and free will serves as a _ tale about the corrupting nature of unchecked ambition.

cautionary

When Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty in Act 4 Scene 3, what does this extended dialogue on good versus evil governance emphasize?

It emphasizes the importance of moral choice and integrity in leadership, a direct contrast to Macbeth's tyranny which resulted from his own evil choices.

Why does Macbeth continue to fight Macduff even after learning he was 'from his mother's womb / Untimely ripped'?

He chooses to die a warrior's death rather than 'kiss the ground before young Malcolm's feet,' asserting his will and pride over submission to his fate.

The play ultimately argues that while fate may provide the _, free will provides the action.

motive (or suggestion)