Macbeth Case

Thesis: In the play, Macbeth, by William Shakespeare

the characters Macbeth, Macduff, and Banquo do share

similarities as well as differences, but nonetheless they

all are given the choice of fate or free will.

Macbeth was given the prophecy that he was to become

king of Scotland. Seeing that his chances of

becoming king were very minimal he started imbuing immoral

thoughts of how he would become king. At this point,

he was presented with a choice of fate or free will.

Macbeth, being tormented by his immoral thoughts, took

matters into his own hands and chose free will which

disallowed fate to take its toll. This consequently led to

his own destruction.

Banquo was similar to Macbeth in that he too received a

Prophecy. This prophecy was that his sons would become

kings. Banquo also evoked corrupt thoughts about the throne

but unlike Macbeth he didn't take matters into his own

hands but instead let fate take its toll. Unfortunately

because of fear, Macbeth sent for Banquo and his son

Fleance to be killed. In the attempt Banquo shouts," O

treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly! Thou may'st

revenge- O slave!"(p.104) and Fleance was able to run away

proving that his sons would become kings. The fact that Banquo

didn't let his motives take action was the reason why his

prophecy would become true one day.

Macduff was a bit different in that he did not have the

prophecy told to him but rather told unto Macbeth. The prophecy

was that no man that was born of a woman would ever hurt

Macbeth, but because Macduff was ripped from his mothers