“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” — Act 1, Scene 1

Meaning: Things are not always what they seem. Link to fate and free will: The witches create confusion between good and evil, influencing Macbeth’s decisions.

“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” — Act 1, Scene 1

• Meaning: Things are not always what they seem.

• Link to fate and free will: The witches create confusion between good and evil, influencing Macbeth’s decisions.

“All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!” — Act 1, Scene 3

• Meaning: The witches predict that Macbeth will become king.

• Link: This introduces fate because the witches suggest Macbeth has a future as king, but he must decide how to achieve it.

“If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me.” — Act 1, Scene 3

• Meaning: Macbeth considers allowing fate to make him king naturally.

• Link: This shows Macbeth initially believes fate might control his future without him needing to act.

“Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.” — Act 1, Scene 4

• Meaning: Macbeth wants to hide his ambition and evil thoughts.

• Link: This shows free will because Macbeth recognises his desires and chooses to hide them.

“I am settled, and bend up each corporal agent to this terrible feat.” — Act 1, Scene 7

• Meaning: Macbeth decides to go ahead with murdering King Duncan.

• Link: This is a strong example of free will because Macbeth makes a conscious decision to commit murder, rather than being forced by fate.

“Come what come may, Time and the hour runs through the roughest day.” — Act 1, Scene 3

• Meaning: Macbeth suggests that time will bring whatever is meant to happen.

• Link: This reflects the idea that fate will unfold naturally, although Macbeth later tries to control his future.

“Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none.” — Act 1, Scene 3

• Meaning: The witches tell Banquo that his descendants will become kings, even though he will not.

• Link: This suggests fate has already planned a future for Banquo’s family, creating uncertainty about whether people can change their destinies.

“I am in blood stepped in so far…” — Act 3, Scene 4

• Meaning: Macbeth believes he has committed so many terrible acts that it is difficult to turn back.

• Link: Macbeth’s choices have trapped him in a cycle of violence, showing the consequences of free will.

“From this moment, the very firstlings of my heart shall be the firstlings of my hand.” — Act 4, Scene 1

• Meaning: Macbeth decides to act immediately on his thoughts without considering the consequences.

• Link: This shows Macbeth actively choosing his actions, suggesting his downfall is caused by his decisions rather than fate alone.

Life’s but a walking shadow…” — Act 5, Scene 5

• Meaning: Macbeth believes life is temporary and meaningless.

• Link: After trying to control his destiny, Macbeth realises that his ambition and choices have led him to a tragic ending.