Macbeth Essay, Sara Jan, Asher Per.4

Prompt: In Shakespeare's Macbeth man's perception of fate affects man's actions. In a carefully organized essay discuss how Shakespeare uses the device of characterization to clarify this perception and drive the action forward.

Fate - truly one's predetermined future or just a trick of the mind? Shakespeare utilized this concept of "fate" in Macbeth, a tragic story of a power hungry hero who stops at nothing to attain and maintain his high status. The intriguing characterization of Macbeth shown through his actions, what others say about him, and his thoughts provides the gateway allowing the witches' prophecy to become reality.

In the opening of the play, Macbeth is none other than a hero for slaying a rebel leader, earning him respect and high praise, but still in no position to be the next heir to the throne. However, it was not until after his encounter with the mysterious witches when his “fate” took hold of his future. After telling him of his future rank to be earned, he began to act upon it. Through his actions, he encouraged his supposed destiny according to the witches’ prophecy. He and Lady Macbeth aspired to become true royalty within their society, and although initially unsure, Macbeth was fully persuaded by Lady Macbeth to try and achieve this greatness predicted for him. Thus, he killed the king, King Duncan, and his guards whom he then put the blame on. However, this was not the end of his actions leading the prophecy: he then turns his monarchy into a dictatorship, ruling by fear as he himself is secretly in fear of the truth spilling. He kills anyone who begins to suspect the truth behind King Duncan’s death and his facade. His treacherous actions throughout his reign drive the witches’ foretelling forward.

Furthermore, what others say about him advances the plot and adds to his fate. First and foremost, if he had not known that he was destined to become king, he would not have killed the King Duncan nor become the next heir to the throne. However, he became a murderer after hearing that he was not next in line to become ruler, but rather King Duncan’s eldest son, in order to secure his place as king. After the assassination, other noble men express belief that Macbeth is ill and him becoming a fanatical dictator over the people. Some begin to believe that he is not truly worthy of such a high power, leading to Macbeth’s anxiety and reign of terror. Thus, others’ words have a powerful impact on Macbeth’s character.

Finally, Macbeth’s thoughts become apparent in this play and also drive his supposed fate to become his reality. Upon hearing that he is not going to be named king immediately after King Duncan, he expresses anger and greed for the position, betraying his country by killing King Duncan. However, after his several murders, his guilt becomes overwhelming and he can no longer completely control and hide it from others. Thus, he becomes guarded and mistrusting, fearful others will discover the truth and incite his downfall. Macbeth later visits the three witches again and learns that his reign will crumble when the seemingly impossible happens: the forest moving and he be killed by one whom was not woman born.

Shakespeare utilizes several different strategies of characterization: Macbeth’s actions, what others said about him, and his thoughts, to drive the play forward and encourage the idea of fate’s realism. Macbeth exemplifies how one’s perception of his fate influences his choices, sometimes unconsciously pushing that destiny to become reality.