Sunday, December 4, 2016

Fate vs. Chance

Do you believe events in your life have been guided by fate or chance? Why or why not? Based on the text, what do you think Shakespeare's attitude was towards fate? Does Macbeth have any choice in his actions or was everything predetermined? Use examples from the text as your support.



It is difficult to determine an answer to this question because I think my life is guided by both fate and chance. I think the importance of the decision and how large the impact of the event is is what makes the difference between fate and chance events. Things that I believe that are guided by fate: meeting certain people, keeping/losing relationships, determining when you die. This is most likely because as a Jew, I believe God has a plan for me. I am often found saying "it wasn't in the plan" or "God didn't want this/that to happen." I consider these situations to be out of my control, but that they were intentional because they are influential to me as a person. This could easily be twisted into "right time, right place" situations which would fall under chance, which is where my confusion with this question arises. I think when tragic or depressing things happen in my life, believing that someone or something has my back makes it easier to cope with my emotions, therefore, I tend to agree with the statement that most events are guided by fate. In opposition, I think small, daily decisions like what cereal to eat or what to wear are not guided by any kind supernatural. Those decisions are simply chance influenced by own choice.

Based on the text, I think Shakespeare fully believed in fate. This is evident through his inclusion of the supernatural shown with the 3 witches and ghosts. The whole plot of the play is based off the prophecy given to Macbeth and Banquo in Act 1. The Weïrd Sisters proclaim, "All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis!...Thane of Cawdor!... that shalt be king hereafter!" (A1.S3 17). Banquo is also told that his sons will be kings. Shortly after this interaction, it is announced that Macbeth is the new Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth questioned the prophecy at first, but now it is clear that what the witches said is truthful and he goes on to fulfill the prophecy as best as he can. Shakespeare included these characters and this plot to express his beliefs. Shakespeare was not allowed to write anything that diminished the power of the King. This shows that believing in fate was a popular belief when the play was written, and explains why Shakespeare has this attitude towards fate. 

I think Macbeth did have control over his actions. He could have chosen to not kill his BFF and his child and the king and multiple other people and let the prophecy happen naturally. No supernatural power told Macbeth that the killing of these people was necessary ignorer for him to become but it is what he inferred. His lovely wife heavily influenced his actions because of her deadly desire for power but he was never forced to enact the plan she created. 


https://www.pinterest.com/madanihouha/macbeth-and-lady-macbeth/
https://www.pinterest.com/sherlonann/macbeth-memes/

1 comment:

  1. In my blog post I wrote about how I don't think Shakespeare believed in fate. But you have a good explanation for why you think he does. One of your reasons was his inclusion of the supernatural characters. I thought this aspect was showing a physical manifestation of his selfish actions that made him utilize his free will to ensure that he would be king. Though it could be Shakespeare showing how the conductors of fate are always right and will always prevail.

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