The Power of Fate in Macbeth Essay -- William Shakespeare

Fate is one person's destiny, it cannot be understood by mere mortals but a greater power beyond human comprehension. Fate is so powerful that it controls a person's outcome on life before it happens. Many people become victims of fate in which they catch a glimpse of what their future is going to look like, but do not totally grasp the outcome. Macbeth cannot fully comprehend the possible outcome of his fate because he is mortal, and therefore is a victim to his power driven quest and his ultimate fate. Many have been said to agree with this statement. For example, as stated in Shakespeare A to Z, "The Witches are an enactment of the irrational. The supernatural world if terrifying because it is beyond human control, and in the play it is therefore symbolic of the unpredictable force of human motivation." The magic of the witches is thus an image of human moral disruption. Through their own uncertain nature, they demonstrate- and promote- the disruption in the world of they play. The outcome of the first prophecy or encounter with the Witches is the beginning of Macbeth's downfall. After Macbeth was told about his potential reign as king, Macbeth said, "Stay, you imperfect speakers. Tell me more. By Sinel's death I know I am Thane-of Glamis. But how of Cawdor?...You owe this strange intelligence or why upon this blasted heath you stop our way with such a prophetic greeting. Speak, I charge you." (1.3.73.) After Macbeth tried to ask questions, the witches vanished. The witches seem to have watched Macbeth and studied how he is. They know his weaknesses are his greed and ambition, and by telling him this specific part of his destiny, his weaknesses will overcome his virtues. The witches then left Macbeth at this time possibly be... ...ant. As stated by Frank Kermode in the book Shakespeare for Students, ?Macbeth is a play about the eclipse of civility and manhood, the temporary triumph of evil, when it ends, virtue, and justice are restored.? ?Shakespeare displays a remarkable perception of the human condition by dramatizing not only the way in which evil enters Macbeth?s world, but also the devastating effect it has on those who yield to temptation and sin? (Shakespeare for Students page 238.) Macbeth is merely a victim of his fate. In this case, the weird sisters represent the wrath and cunningness of the various ways fate can play out. Fate has so much power that it can take over a person and leave them feeling almost possessed. If Macbeth were immortal and could understand his fate, he might have saved himself, but because he is mortal he is tricked, and subsequently, destroyed by fate.