Act 3 - Fate and Free will

Act 3 - Fate and Free will

Fate and Free will are two different concepts, yet they both come into play in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The difference between Fate and Free Will is that fate is something you expect to happen, where as Free will is choosing what you want to do. This theme plays an important part in this particular act.

• Act 3, Scene 1 - In this scene, Macbeth reveals in a monologue that he’s afraid of Banquo and what he can do. Without it being explicitly stated by the witches, Macbeth decides to kill Duncan in order to become King, (Free will). Yet, he now realises that he has actually murdered Duncan for Banquo’s sons, who are destined to become the next Kings after Macbeth, (Fate). He later on goes to state that he will challenge fate into battle and fight to the death : he wishes to keep his title as King for as long as he lives.
• Macbeth : ‘’For Banquo’s issue have I filed my mind; For them the gracious Duncan have I murdered.’’ (p. 42, lines 65-66).
• Macbeth : ‘’Rather than so, come, fate, into the list, And champion me to th’ utterance!’’ (p. 43, lines 71-72).

• Act 3, Scene 3 - In this scene, the murderers obey Macbeth’s orders and kill Banquo, yet fail to do the same to his son, Fleance. This adds on to the witches ‘’prediction’’, that Banquo’s sons, will be the rightful kings. (Fate).
• Banquo : “O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!” (p. 49, line 17).

• Act 3, Scene 5 - In this scene, Hecate, Greek goddess of magic, tells off the three witches for revealing to Macbeth a part of his future. She later on instructs them to meet her in Hades, where she will tell Macbeth his true destiny. (Fate).  
• Hecate : “How did you dare to trade and traffic with Macbeth in riddles and affairs of death.” (p. 56, line 5).