IndexIntroductionThe role of fate and free will in MacbethMachiavelli's economy of violenceBalancing violence and virtue in The PrinceConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionIn Macbeth, the interpretations of fate and free will who emphasize its freedom misunderstand the fundamental dynamic principles of the game. Shakespeare introduces Hecate, the witches, and their prophecies to show how Macbeth's actions are driven by forces beyond his control. The story of Macbeth is not the story of a self-controlled man, but rather of a fundamentally fragile man, guided both by supernatural forces and by his wife in a way he would never have chosen for himself. To hold Macbeth accountable is to fail to see exactly what Shakespeare wants us to see: how little control we have over what we do.' We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay The Role of Fate and Free Will in Macbeth I disagree with the above statement about the influence of fate in the play Macbeth. There is no denying that supernatural forces play a significant role in the play. The role of supernatural forces makes the dynamics of the play so fascinating. It is true that before these supernatural agents appeared in the play, Macbeth minded his own business and was a great soldier. Furthermore, the revelation of the prophecies of three witches, strange sisters, triggers a chain of events that lead to him becoming king and ultimately killed. But it was Macbeth's free will that determined how this fate will come true and how the event will unfold. When Macbeth first hears the witches' prophecy, as he contemplates killing Duncan, he says, "If chance shall have me king, why should chance crown me?" without agitation” (Act 1, scene 3). Knowing the consequences of murdering Duncan, Macbeth decides not to kill him. He obviously has free will to go ahead and plan to kill Duncan or not, which means he is practicing his free will. However, later in the act, Lady Macbeth insults him and says that he is a coward and needs courage. This insult to his manhood is what changes Macbeth's mind and makes him murder Duncan, which he easily could have chosen not to do. This decision of Macbeth is not something predetermined by fate; rather it is his free will to commit the crime or not. Furthermore, another example that shows how Macbeth practices his free will is when Lady Macbeth says, “Yet I fear thy nature. he is too full of the milk of human kindness to take the nearest way” (Act 1, scene 5). Lady Macbeth is afraid that Macbeth's kindness and kindness will dissuade him from killing Duncan. It is important to note that Macbeth is a great soldier, lord of Cawdor, a person famous for his skills in war. It shows that he knows that killing the king is wrong and has consequences. However, Lady Macbeth influences Macbeth's thoughts, is on his conscience and can choose whether or not to agree to kill the king. Furthermore, in the later events of the play, such as the killing of his friend Banquo and Macduff's family, Macbeth has the freedom to choose whether to kill or not, in no way is it predetermined by fate or the witches' prophecies. Ultimately, the power of supernatural forces and destiny is as significant in the game as it is in real life. The influence of others on us, like that of Lady Macbeth on Macbeth, is something inevitable. However, I believe that it is one's conscience that decides which path to choose or what to do. For Macbeth it was predetermined by fate that he would one day become king;