Fate or Chance?

Distinguishing the difference between fate and chance is impossible. They are just two different interpretations of how we live. I view life's events as occurring by chance. This ideology motivates me to do good and allows me to believe that my decisions matter. Also, to me, believing that life is controlled by fate makes life seem like a prison. By believing in chance, one has the illusion of freedom and choice; you can do something because you want to do it, not because you are forced too. I believe that he concept of fate destroys motivation do do anything. Why try when things are bound to occur? I like the idea of creating my own future instead of being a pawn of the future.

Also, I feel that the concept of fate is too unstable. What if someone's fate relying on someone else but that person somehow changes their fate? What would be the result of someone going against their fate? If life was controlled by fate, I believe that a small change would cause a giant domino effect causing the end of everything. I view a life controlled by fate as a giant machine; if one of its cogs fail to work, the whole thing stops working. The only way to ensure that this doesn't occur is by destroying the concept of personal fate. Instead we would all be part of a collective fate to ensure that everyone does what they are supposed to. We would all be prisoners of the future, a chilling idea.

Based on the text, I believe that Shakespeare believes in a life controlled by fate and accepts it. This view is reflected in Macbeth most prominently in the weird sisters and their ability to make prophecies. Prophecies are glimpses into one's fate therefore it would be impossible to create on in a life dictated by choice. The play is based around the idea that a prophecy would always come true. This ideology is seen earlier in the play when Macbeth receives his title as Thane of Cawdor and is certain that he is going to become king. When Duncan is named as the next heir, the extent fate's control over one's life is revealed. In the play, Macbeth has to make multiple important decisions that could affect his destiny but it is fate who makes him choose the "correct" one. This is most notably seen when Macbeth is faced with the decision of murdering Duncan or not. He chooses to murder Duncan with the line: "For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires." Rhyming is present in this line meaning that Macbeth was under the influence of the supernatural. The witches told Macbeth his prophecy and in order to make it come true, fate took over and made the decision for him. The power of fate not only affects Macbeth, but it affects everyone as well. This global affect can be seen with the messages given to Macbeth by the apparitions: the first apparitions stated, "Beware the thane of fife," the second stated, "For none of woman born shall harm Macbeth,"and the third stated, "Macbeth shall never vanquished to be until Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him." Foreshadowing of Macbeth's demise shows that the timeline of events is linear; everything is mapped out and there is no such thing as freedom of choice. What is destined to happen is going to happen and there is no escape.