Fate In Macbeth

What is fate? Fate is the occurrence of incidents our of our control. Fate cannot be changed, for fate is each individuals unique destiny. Fate and destiny are two topics often discussed in the works of Shakespeare, two topics seen throughout Macbeth. In the tragedy Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, Macbeth is a victim of his fate; the influences by Lady Macbeth and by the Witches, as well as his downfall, are consequences of fate and not his own free will. As a result of fate, Lady Macbeth influences Macbeth and challenges his use of free will. Lady Macbeth pressures Macbeth to murder and commit sinful acts by taunting his abilities and assuring him her way is best. Macbeth questions murdering Duncan: “To be-all and the end-all” (I.VII.5). Lady Macbeth becomes a role in the outcome of Macbeth’s fate after he has second thoughts and ponders over whether he should disregard the initial plan to kill Duncan. Once Macbeth is brainwashed by Lady Macbeth, he decides to kill Duncan: “When you durst do it, then you were a man” (I.VII.49). Had Lady Macbeth not have influenced Macbeth, he probably would not have decided to kill. Due to fate, the murder of Duncan was inevitable,
Macbeth continuously tries to test his fate to ensure his success and satisfaction, but testing his fate never brings him his desired outcome, for “security / Is mortals’ chiefest enemy” (III.V.32-33). Macbeth’s ultimate downfall is caused by his attempts to be in control of every prediction the Witches have given him. Challenging his fate, he says, “Rather than so, come fate into the list, / And champion me to the utterance!” (III.1.70-71). Macbeth ruins himself by thinking he is superior, but his proves him otherwise. In the tragedy, Macbeth becomes king, for becoming king is his fate, but in becoming king, he had to murder Duncan, which contributed to his downfall. Macbeth’s downfall is caused by the influence of