Macbeth

Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, involves a tragic hero who becomes a victim of fate. The truth in the witches’ prediction of Macbeth’s promotion to the Thane of Cawdor, causes Macbeth to trust them. The Weird Sisters’ next prediction of Macbeth’s coronation as King, leads to his unwise decision to kill Duncan. Lady Macbeth seems to be the catalyst to the demise of Macbeth and herself. The witches’ third prediction of Banquo’s children assuming the position of King induces Macbeth’s attempt to kill him and Fleance. The next few predictions explain the circumstances of Macbeth’s killer. The fateful death of Macbeth finally ends the play. Fate and tragedy are truly the essence of the play, Macbeth.

Lady Macbeth by George Cattermole.

English: Poster of Thos. W. Keene in William Shake...

The English actor Charles Kean as William Shakespe...

These sinister witches foretell Macbeth’s promotion to Thane of Cawdor before Ross can tell Macbeth himself. Macbeth is somewhat intrigued yet skeptical. He was previously known as the Thane of Glamis and then holds the title of Thane of Cawdor. The second witch says, “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor” (I, 3, 49)! Macbeth truly believes in the prophecy after Ross confrims his promotion. This newfound trust in the witches has ultimately doomed Macbeth.

During Macbeth and the witches’ first encounter, the second prediction of Macbeth’s coronation as King proved to be true as well. Yet the prophecy did not mention the means in which Macbeth will become King. The third witch says, “All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter” (I, 3, 50)! After time to think of the situation, Macbeth’s wife persuades him to kill King Duncan. Macbeth deems Duncan a generally good and virtuous man; yet in order to become king he thinks that he must kill Duncan. This is yet another step toward Macbeth’s true fate.

Macbeth informing Lady Macbeth of the prophecy is possibly the...