Macbeth: Free Will, Witches, Good and Evil

In William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, the witches provide the framework for Macbeth's future, which is revealed as the plot unfolds. The witches state that the terms "fair" and "foul" are arbitrary in the greater scheme of things, foretelling the twisted circle of events that will encompass Macbeth's rise and tragic fall. Their prophecy declares the future of Macbeth, giving him confidence and clarity to take action in pursuing it. Their insight, along with some encouragement from his wife and his own blinding ambition, provides the catalysts for Macbeth to commit the murders that he needs to gain increasing power and ultimately destroy himself through a self-fulfilling prophecy. The witches' prophecy comes true in every way and, ironically, fulfills Macbeth's destiny in a way he did not imagine. Macbeth only sees his potential to rise from the prophecy, but not his potential, through his own faults, to fall.

Free will plays a vital role in Macbeth and expresses a main theme. Though the witches determine the fate of Macbeth throught their prophecy, Macbeth has control over his own destiny. The choices he makes ultimately direct the outcome of his future. His greed and ambition after fulfilling the first stage of the prophecy, to become king, guide him in the direction of his untimely demise and destruction. Had Macbeth been satisfied or at least complacent with his status and refrained from killing to gain more power, his life could have taken a different direction altogether. The prophecy would apparently have come true no matter what, but Macbeth's actions guide his own fate as well.