Asher P.1 David Lee Macbeth essay

In Macbeth, Shakespeare characterizes Macbeth, though his comments and actions, to clarify Macbeth’s perception of fate. Macbeth’s perception of fate is quite complicated: it is a mixture of Anglo-Saxon’s belief that one can alter his fate, and denial of Medieval’s belief of mortal fate. His actions are driven by his strong belief in his fate.

In the play, Macbeth has strong interest in his fate. In act I scene III, when he encounters the witches for the first time, he demands the witches to give more information. If he does not believe that fate exists, he would have to disregard the witches. He confirms his perception of fate when Ross and Angus deliver the news that Macbeth is new Thane of Cawdor. Because he strongly believes that he is fated to become a king, he informs his wife, Lady Macbeth, what the witches told him. Lady Macbeth, who almost controls Macbeth’s thoughts and actions, has strong belief in fate. This belief leads to the murder of the king. This clearly shows both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s perceptions that they can reach their fortune faster by altering their fate. The witches do not mention anything about how Macbeth is going to become the king. If he was patient, and if he is really fated to become the king, he did not have to kill Duncan. Later in the play, Macbeth, yet again, challenges his fate by attempting to kill Banquo’s son. Because he knows that Banquo’s son is going to be the next king after Macbeth, he tries to kill both Banquo and his son, Fleanace.

Macbeth, like many Renaissance characters, has moral fate. However, he denies his moral fate throughout the play. He claims that “none of woman born” can harm him. He is simply stating that he is immortal. His belief becomes his main source of courage and reason to fight the impossble battle even after the death of his wife. However, like many Shakespears’ Renaissance characters, he faces inevitable mortal ending.

Macbeth’s Anglo-Saxon perception of fate has dominated the thoughts and action of Macbeth throughout the play. Shakespeare reveals Macbeth’s perception through Macbeth’s actions and through Lady Macbeth’s influence.