Fate vs Freewill/Witches Flashcards
“spin the threads of life”.
Shakespeare refers to the Witches as the Weird Sisters (depending on the version that you read), which bears connotations of “wired” meaning fate in Old English and therefore associating their speech with prophecy. The witches could represent the three fates from classical mythology, as the three fates represent the past, present and future. This reflects the three predictions they give to Macbeth, as they claim to “spin the threads of life”. The three Witches have differing roles as one spins, one measures, one cuts. This relates to their roles in the future, present and past, respectively. Shakespeare suggests they are in control of events, as they decide on the fates and destinies of men - or perhaps they lead them to their fate.
“I dreamed last night of the three weird sisters”
Banquo is also affected by the Witches, as he admits to dreaming of the witches: “I dreamed last night of the three weird sisters”. However, this occurs on the same day that Banquo met the Witches, prompting the question - had he been thinking of them before they met? Were Macbeth and Banquo already connected to the supernatural? This dream shows that they have influenced Banquo too, however he serves as evidence that the witches can be resisted and they do not have complete control as they give him a prophecy too, which he ignores. This response from Banquo is necessary for his character as he serves as the foil to Macbeth and to embrace the Witches would go against the purpose of his character.
The Witches are described as: ”imperfect speakers”
However, Macbeth listens to them and their prophecies anyway because he wants what they say to be true. They speak in riddles that are meant to be misunderstood and Macbeth chooses to ignore this as his greed for power overcomes him. Therefore, it could be argued that they are not controlling fate, rather they are allowing Macbeth to gain validation of the desires he already has. Their words are vague and ambiguous because they are not a source of control but a source of temptation. Macbeth interprets their speech to suit his pre-existing desires and therefore it could be argued that Macbeth twists their prophecies in order to further his own agenda of power.
