Grace Giberson- Macbeth Essay- Asher P3

During the time Macbeth was written, it was believed that man’s perception of fate affected man’s actions. Through William Shakespeare’s characterization of Macbeth, he was able to clarify this perception and drive the action forward. Macbeth appears to be a courageous warrior, however, we realize he has fears like the rest of society. The play revolves around Macbeth’s desire to become King and how he’ll do anything to get what he believes to be a prophecy. Through Macbeth’s actions, thoughts, and reactions, we learn how his insight of fate is shown throughout his actions.

Macbeth’s actions during the play help clarify the perception of fate affecting man’s actions, along with helping to drive the action forward. In the beginning of the play, the three witches predict Macbeth will become a King. This causes Macbeth to forgo killing Duncan, who is crowned King after the killing of Macdonwald. Even though Macbeth is having second thoughts about the murder, his wife convinces him to go through with it because she wants to become Queen. However, Macbeth has visions of a bloody dagger and has second thoughts about killing Duncan. In the end, he and Lady Macbeth follow through, ending Duncan’s life. In addition, Macbeth ends up getting two convicted murderess to kill Banquo and Fleance who suspect that Macbeth had something to do with the king’s murder. However, in the end, Macduff kills Macbeth. Macbeth believed his fate was to become king, even though in the end, this led to his death. His perception of fate caused these actions to unfold, revealing Macbeth’s true identity.

Often times in literature, what characters say about others gives the reader incredible insight that allows us to truly know each character. Macbeth’s friends and foes surrounding him all give insight to the kind of person Macbeth truly is. Lady Macbeth often states how cowardly Macbeth is and how he isn’t as brave as he appears. It is Lady Macbeth who helps plan out Duncan’s murder when Macbeth is too afraid to go through with the idea. In addition, Banquo believed Macbeth is shrewd, shown through his thought of Macbeth having something to do with Duncan’s murder. Macduff and Ross tell theories of who murdered the king, while suspecting that it was truly Macbeth. Throughout the play, characters allow us to rethink who Macbeth really is through their thoughts and opinions of Macbeth’s actions and comments.

In Macbeth by Shakespeare, man’s perception of fate is believed to affect man’s actions. Shakespeare uses the device of characterization to clarify this perception and drive the plot forward. Using Macbeth’s actions and what others say about him, Shakespeare is able to prove how one’s thought of fate can affect their actions throughout life.