GCSE English Literature

Fate vs Free Will in Macbeth5 key quotes with full analysis.

Complete collection of quotes about fate and free will in Macbeth for GCSE English Literature, exploring prophecy, destiny, and choice.

Understanding Fate vs Free Will in Macbeth

The tension between fate and free will is one of Macbeth's central questions. The witches' prophecies raise the question: is Macbeth destined to become king through murder, or does he freely choose this path? Shakespeare deliberately leaves this ambiguous.

Crucially, Banquo receives similar prophecies but responds differently - he doesn't murder anyone. This suggests that while fate may present opportunities, individuals choose their responses. Macbeth's tragedy is that he uses the prophecies to justify his own ambitions, blaming fate for choices he freely makes.

ProphecyWitchesChoiceDestinySelf-Fulfilling Prophecy

All Fate vs Free Will Quotes

“Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage”
MacbethAct 5, Scene 5
MortalityMeaninglessnessFate

Context: Macbeth responds to news of Lady Macbeth's death.

Analysis

The theatrical metaphor reduces life to a brief, meaningless performance. "Walking shadow" suggests life lacks substance or purpose. "Struts and frets" implies human actions are ultimately futile posturing. This nihilistic worldview shows Macbeth's complete spiritual emptiness at the play's end.

Language Techniques:

Extended metaphorTheatre imageryNihilism

Exam Tip

Link to the theme of appearance vs reality. Shows the emptiness ambition has brought him.

“All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!”
WitchesAct 1, Scene 3
ProphecyFateAmbitionSupernatural

Context: The third witch prophesies Macbeth's kingship.

Analysis

This prophecy ignites Macbeth's ambition. "Hereafter" is deliberately vague - it doesn't say how or when. The witches don't command murder, merely predict kingship. Macbeth chooses the path of violence. The prophecy tests whether he will wait for fate or force it.

Language Techniques:

ProphecyAmbiguityTriadic structure

Exam Tip

Debate: do witches cause Macbeth's actions or merely predict them? Key for fate vs free will essays.

“None of woman born shall harm Macbeth”
Apparition (Witches)Act 4, Scene 1
ProphecyDeceptionFate

Context: The second apparition gives Macbeth false confidence.

Analysis

This prophecy seems to guarantee Macbeth's safety but is deliberately equivocal. Macduff's Caesarean birth means he was technically not "born" of woman. The witches' predictions are technically true but designed to mislead. Macbeth's arrogant interpretation seals his doom.

Language Techniques:

EquivocationDramatic ironyDouble meaning

Exam Tip

Perfect example of equivocation - a key contemporary concern linked to the Gunpowder Plot.

“If you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then to me”
BanquoAct 1, Scene 3
FateTimeProphecy

Context: Banquo asks the witches about his own future.

Analysis

The agricultural metaphor of "seeds of time" suggests the future is planted but not yet grown. Banquo is curious about fate but, unlike Macbeth, won't force events. His request is conditional ("if you can"), showing rational scepticism. He wants knowledge but won't act on it corruptly.

Language Techniques:

Extended metaphorNatural imageryConditional language

Exam Tip

Banquo's response to prophecy contrasts with Macbeth's. He is tempted but doesn't act on temptation.

“Macduff was from his mother's womb untimely ripped”
MacduffAct 5, Scene 8
FateProphecySupernatural

Context: Macduff reveals he was born by Caesarean section.

Analysis

This revelation fulfils the witches' prophecy while subverting Macbeth's interpretation. "Untimely ripped" suggests violent, unnatural birth, yet this makes Macduff the destined killer. The prophecies were technically true but deliberately misleading. Macbeth's overconfidence in his invincibility proves fatal.

Language Techniques:

Dramatic ironyPassive voiceAmbiguity

Exam Tip

Shows how the witches' prophecies are equivocal - technically true but misleading. Fate cannot be escaped.

Explore More Macbeth Themes

View quotes organised by other key themes including ambition, guilt, and the supernatural.

All Macbeth QuotesSupernatural Theme