Macbeth as a Guilty Man
...eth I.iii.137-38). Already, Macbeth displays contemplation of what he will have to do, instead of what will happen to him. Furthermore, Macbeth exercises his own will by planning to meet with the witches for a second time (Macbeth III.iv.133-34). Just before the second witch episode, Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft, plans to “…draw [Macbeth] on to his confusion,” or, in other words, set him up (Macbeth III.v.29). If fate were involved, Hecate’s plan to trick Macbeth would not be necessary. When Macbeth finally visits the witches for the second time, the witches invoke three apparitions that successfully give Macbeth a false sense of security, which eventually sets the stage for his downfall (Macbeth IV.i.65-130). Combined with his existing ambition to become King of Scotland, Macbeth’s new feeling of invincibility causes him to commit additional acts of murder. Lady Macbeth’s reaction to Macbeth’s letter also refutes the fate theory. Lady Macbeth expresses no astonishment at the notion of Macbeth’s becoming King of Scotland, which implies that the couple had discussed the matter prior to the play (Macbeth I.v.14-28). The fact that Duncan’s murder was premeditated before Macbeth even encountered the witches refutes the idea that fate controlled the situation. If fate is not the cause of Macbeth’s actions, then some internal quality is the source. The most powerful driving force behind Macbeth’s evil acts is his vaulting ambition. After learning that Malcolm is the official heir to the throne of Scotland, Macbeth speaks to the audience, “The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step / On which I must fall down, or else o’erleap, / For in my way it lies. Stars, hide your fires; / Let not light see my black and deep desires,” (Macbeth I.iv.48-53). This quote captures the essence of Macbeth’s tragic flaw. It is with this mentality-not fate-that Macbeth is...