Macbeth Fate and Free Will Act One

Macbeth Fate and Free Will Act One

1. "Fair is foul and foul is fair"/"Such foul and fair a day I have not seen"

   • Does Macbeth allow himself to be corrupted by the witches or does he have no control?
   • "Stay, you imperfect speakers. Tell me more.

2. "Go pronounce his present death and with his former title greet Macbeth"/"Why do you dress me in borrow'd robes?"/"The greatest is behind"/"Why hath it given me earnest of success commencing in a truth? I am Thane of Cawdor."

   • Duncan gives Macbeth the title of Thane of Cawdor before he meets the witches, which would suggest that Macbeth is able to make free choices in the role, which means he is responsible for becoming a "most disloyal traitor" like the previous Thane of Cawdor.
     • But by the witches already planning to "meet with Macbeth" in scene one, it could suggest that has fate has already been decided since they are the first ones to greet him with the title
       • It could also show that Macbeth can be classed as brave and noble as Duncan gives Macbeth the title based on his performance in the war, he has cheated his way to it like he does when he is crowned
         • It is also very ironic that Duncan gives him the title based on his war performance since his brutality and excessive violence are what leads him to his tragic downfall.
           • This could also suggest that Macbeth does not have any free will, since his fate in the role is decided by the reason he earned the title; this is also therefore foreshadowing his death