Some people believe that everything that we do has already been predetermined. They believe that our destinies are mapped out and there is no way to change or alter the route. I, on the other hand, believe that our futures are basically made through the choices and actions that we decide to make.
Such is the case with the character of Macbeth in Shakespeares play Macbeth. In the very beginning of the play, three witches make predictions about Macbeths future.
All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Glamis!
All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Cawdor!
All hail, Macbeth! that shalt be king hereafter.
-Act One, Scene Three: lines 48-50, pg. 30
The first prediction could not have been a prediction of fate because it had already come true before Macbeth saw the witches. Therefore, it was a known fact. The second prediction shouldnt even be called a prediction because in the scene directly before it, King Duncan already stated that this reward would be given to Macbeth. However, the third prediction had never been heard of before at this point in the play. It is true that Macbeth becomes King of Scotland, but we are unsure as to whether that would have happened if Macbeth hadnt taken this to his head and put matters into his own hands.
We will establish our estate upon
Our eldest, Malcom, whom we name hereafter
The Prince of Cumberland… -Duncan
The Prince of Cumberland! that is a step
On which I must fall down, or else oer-leap,
For in my way it lies… -Macbeth
Act One, Scene Four: lines 37-39 &48-50, pg. 42-43
These quotes show that it was not Macbeth who was destined to become king, but Duncans son Malcom. It was only through Macbeths decisions and actions that he became king. By murdering Duncan and forcing his heir to flee for safety, Macbeth became king. However, this was not his fate but simply Macbeth taking action on the witches words.
The second set of prophesies that Macbeth saw came shortly after he saw the disturbing sight of Banquos ghost.
1st Apparition Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! beware
Beware the thane of Fife. Dismiss me. Enough…
2nd Apparition Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth!…
Be bloody, bold, and resolute: laugh to scorn
The power of man; for none of women born
Shall harm Macbeth….
3rd Apparition Be lion-mettled, proud, and take no care
Who chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are:
Macbeth shall never vanquished be until
Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill
Shall come against him.
These three predictions could never have been made if Macbeth hadnt decided to commit or command the murders of Duncan, Banquo and Macduffs family. Thus, his future depended on the actions that he chose to take. If Macbeth hadnt chosen to command the murders to kill Macduffs family, then Macduff wouldnt have wanted to kill Macbeth. Also, if Macbeth hadnt committed those crimes and betrayed his country, then Malcolm, Macduff and many of the noblemen would not have turned against him.
In conclusion, Macbeths future was not predetermined by fate, but rather it was made along the way through his own choices and the consequences that came along with those decisions. It was not Macbeths fate to murder those innocent people. It was his decision to be sinful and devious.