Macbeth Fate vs Free Will Quotes

Act 1, At first, Macbeth is willing to let fate take its course without action—suggesting a belief that destiny doesn’t need help.

“If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me.”

Act 2, Macbeth sees a vision leading him to Duncan’s murder. It blurs the line between fate’s guidance and his own murderous desire.

"Is this a dagger which I see before me...?"

Act 3, Here, Macbeth actively calls on fate to fight by his side as he plans to kill Banquo. He isn’t passively accepting destiny — he’s trying to control and reshape it, showing how ambition twists his relationship with fate.

"Come fate into the list, / And champion me to the utterance!

Act 4, The prophecy seems to protect Macbeth, but it gives him false confidence. Fate appears fixed, but its meaning is deceptive—encouraging fatal choices.

"None of woman born shall harm Macbeth."

Act 5, This revelation shows that fate does come true—but in an unexpected way. Macbeth’s attempt to outsmart fate ultimately fails.

"Macduff was from his mother’s womb / Untimely ripped."