Fate vs Free-Will Essay Plan

Question 1

Point 1 + quotations for fate vs free-will:

Answer 1

Knowledge of one’s possible fate can lead to an unhealthy obsession over their own future through their own free-will as shown through Macbeth’s initial reaction when he first hears The Witches’ prophecies.

• “He seems rapt withall”
• “tell me more”
• “doth unfix my hair and make my seated heart knock at my ribs”

Question 2

Point 2 + quotations for fate vs free-will:

Answer 2

Fate and free-will presented as ambiguously by Shakespeare – one interpretation is that Shakespeare may present it as being controlled by The Witches.

• “Something wicked this way comes.” A4, S1
• “brave” and “noble” Macbeth

“fair is foul and foul is fair”

Question 3

Point 3 + quotations for fate vs free-will:

Answer 3

Supernatural is further shown to control fate through the apparitions later on in the play.

• “Beware Macduff” – 1st apparition
• “Turn hell-hound, turn” A5, S8
• “My voice is in my sword, thou bloodier villain / Than terms can give thee out” A5, S8

Question 4

Point 4 + quotations for fate vs free-will:

Answer 4

However, contrastingly Shakespeare may be saying that it is free-will and a series of cataclysmic events that leads to each point in life rather than having a predetermined destiny. This is shown through Macbeth’s slippery slope of violent actions he goes down on.

• “thou shalt be king hereafter”
• “My soul is too much charg’d with blood of thine already”
• ‘Macbeth’s