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The Fate of Macbeth

The Witches are very influential to Macbeth because they bring in the idea of fate;

others may wonder if Macbeth ever had a chance to do what is right after meeting The

Witches. The Witches foretold the future of Macbeth, “All hail, Macbeth! That shalt be

king hereafter.”(1, iii, 50). These prophesies introduced Macbeth to the ideas of greatness.

Macbeth feels he needs to learn more of what the witches may know, “Stay you imperfect

speakers, tell me more,”(1, iii, 70). Macbeth feels overshadowed by Banquo and believes

his efforts to kill Duncan will have been in vain if Banquo’s children win the throne

before Macbeth’s own. Macbeth feels guilty because Duncan has always looked up at

Macbeth and praises him for his loyalty. Macbeth has a hard time dealing with his

emotions because in order to become king he will have to kill a true friend. The Witches

were the reason for the evil thoughts in Macbeth’s mind but Lady Macbeth was the one to

push him over the edge with encouragement. If the witches did not speak to Macbeth he

would have been a sane man. Knowing that Macbeth believed the witches because of the

two truths that were told, leads him to needing the power to become king. The Witches

offer great enticement, but it is in the end, that it is each individuals decision to fall for

the temptation or to take the better way out. The witches are only responsible for

introducing the ideas or the further forming of them. In these terms the witches can be

seen as the keepers of fate.