1. Notes: FATE Flashcards
What does the term ‘fate’ generally refer to?
The development of events and actions that are outside a person’s control.
According to the notes, who initially seems to govern Macbeth’s fate?
The supernatural powers of the witches.
What were the two key prophecies the witches gave Macbeth at the start of the play?
That he would become Thane of Cawdor and then King.
How did the first prophecy (Thane of Cawdor) influence Macbeth’s belief in the witches’ predictions?
When it came true so quickly after he first met the witches, Macbeth put absolute trust in the witches’ words and believed his destiny to become king was sealed.
How did Macbeth’s belief in his fate affect his moral choices?
His absolute belief in the witches’ prophecies led him to reject his own morals in order to make their predictions a reality (e.g., killing Duncan).
How is Lady Macbeth’s fate linked to the witches’ prophecies?
Her ambition for Macbeth to become king (and for herself to be queen) is fueled by Macbeth’s encounter with the witches, suggesting her fate is also influenced by their trickery.
What choice did Lady Macbeth have that could have potentially changed Macbeth’s fate?
She could have tried to dissuade her husband from acting on the witches’ prophecies, given their strong relationship and her persuasive abilities.
What was the witches’ prophecy regarding Banquo?
‘Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none,’ meaning his descendants would become kings.
How did the witches’ prophecy about Banquo ironically seal his fate?
Macbeth perceived Banquo’s future lineage as a threat to his own kingship and therefore decided to have Banquo killed.
How did the witches indirectly decide Duncan’s fate?
For Macbeth to fulfill the witches’ prophecy of becoming king, he had to remove the current king, Duncan.
According to your notes, what is one of the main purposes of the theme of fate in Macbeth?
To make the audience question the difference between fate (predetermined events) and free will (the ability to make independent choices).
How does Banquo’s reaction to the witches’ prophecies differ from Macbeth’s?
Banquo has no trust in the witches and rejects their prophecies, choosing to let his future happen naturally, unlike Macbeth who accepts and actively pursues them.
