Fate vs Free will

**WITCHES — “All hail

Macbeth

What is Shakespeare showing?

The witches plant the idea of fate in Macbeth’s mind by predicting his rise to power.

How does he show it?

The prophetic certainty of “shalt be” makes the future sound fixed and unavoidable.

Why does this matter?

It raises the question of whether Macbeth is destined for greatness or manipulated into choosing evil.

How does context deepen it?

Jacobeans believed witches could interfere with fate and tempt humans into sin.

**MACBETH — “If chance will have me king

why

What is Shakespeare showing?

Macbeth initially believes fate will make him king without his involvement.

How does he show it?

Repeating “chance” shows Macbeth trying to surrender responsibility to fate.

Why does this matter?

It highlights his early struggle between letting fate act and taking violent control.

How does context deepen it?

Jacobeans believed God

BANQUO — “The instruments of darkness tell us truths”

What is Shakespeare showing?

Banquo recognises that fate‑like prophecies can be traps.

How does he show it?

Calling the witches “instruments of darkness” suggests their predictions are manipulative

Why does this matter?

It shows Banquo chooses free will and moral caution instead of blindly trusting fate.

How does context deepen it?

Jacobeans feared witchcraft as a tool of the Devil

LADY MACBETH — “That which rather thou dost fear to do… thou wouldst be great”

What is Shakespeare showing?

Lady Macbeth believes Macbeth must act

How does he show it?

She contrasts Macbeth’s ambition with his fear

Why does this matter?

It shows Lady Macbeth rejecting fate and choosing deliberate action.

How does context deepen it?

Jacobeans believed women should not influence political power

MACDUFF — “Not in the legions of horrid hell can come a devil more damned”

What is Shakespeare showing?

Macduff sees Macbeth’s tyranny as the result of his own choices

How does he show it?

Calling Macbeth a “devil” emphasises moral responsibility for his actions.

Why does this matter?

It reinforces the idea that Macbeth freely chose evil.

How does context deepen it?

Jacobeans believed humans were accountable for sin

*MALCOLM — “Angels are bright still

though the brightest fell”**

What is Shakespeare showing?

Malcolm suggests that even those who seem destined for greatness can choose to fall.

How does he show it?

The allusion to Lucifer (“the brightest fell”) shows free will leading to destruction.

Why does this matter?

It frames Macbeth’s downfall as a choice

How does context deepen it?

Jacobeans knew the biblical story of Lucifer