Macbeth (Fate Vs Freewill)

Question 1

How does Shakespeare present the theme of fate vs free will?

Answer 1

-promotes audience to question characters individual agency
-despite the witches planting the murderous seeds that eventually lead to Macbeth to commit regicide, it’s Macbeths hamatia that ultimately leads him to his downfall
-Banquo furthers this idea as he is exposed to the prophecies yet resists succumbing to the same insatiable desire for power Macbeth does
-Theme encourages introspective on destiny and moral responsibility

Question 2

How do Macbeths attitudes to fate change within the play?

Answer 2

Macbeths attitudes towards fate are interchangeable based off what benefits him

Question 3

What quote demonstrates Macbeths inner conflict between his ambition and morality as he questions the nature of destiny?

Answer 3

‘If chance will have me king, why, chance may crown me, without my stir.’ Act 1, Scene 3

Question 4

What quote shows Macbeths willingness to utilise fate as a justification for his own immoral actions (committed to a path dictated by fate)?

Answer 4

‘I am in blood, Stepped in so far that should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o’er.’ Act 3, Scene 4

Question 5

What quote shows Macbeths acknowledgment of his evil intentions?

Answer 5

‘Stars hide your fires let light no see your black and deep desires’ Act 1, Scene 4

Question 6

What does the quote ‘Come, fate to the list’ tell us about free will and fate?

Answer 6

Lady Macbeth statement suggests she is willing to embrace fate even if it means carrying out sacrilegious acts and embracing evil

Question 7

What quotation from Macbeth shows he alone is responsible for his actions and that he has free will to manipulate his future?

Answer 7

‘This is a step on which I must fall down or else overleap’ Act 1 Scene 7

Question 8

What quotation said by the witches supports the idea that fate has premeditated Macbeths actions?

Answer 8

‘All hail Macbeth, who shalt be King hereafter’ Act 1,