I personally believe that events in my life have been guided by chance. I believe that everyone has a set path (fate) but they are able to deviate from it due to free will. The fact that humans can make spontaneous decisions based on instinct leads me to believe this. People stumble upon events by coincidence and then recreate a new path for themselves.
Based on Macbeth, I believe that Shakespeare did not believe in faith and relied more on chance. This is demonstrated mostly by the main character, Macbeth. Macbeth has been told of a prophecy that will come true which represents fate. However, instead of letting events play themselves out, Macbeth takes it into his own hands to fulfill the prophecy. The witches tell Macbeth that Duncan will die and he will become king. Macbeth takes matters into his own hands and murders the king. If Shakespeare had believed in fate, he would have allowed his character to live out the prophecy versus creating it himself.
Although I believe Shakespeare was a believer of coincidence and chance, I do not completely dispute the fact that he believed in fate. By incorporating the witches into the story of Macbeth, he presents a fateful situation in which Macbeth cannot escape. However, I think this story serves as a warning that fate can not be fully relied on. He is trying to say that if one is to fulfill their fate, they must forge their own path in which chance plays a role.
To wrap things up, Shakespeare would believe that Macbeth had the ability to make his own decisions even though his fate was foretold to him by the witches. He could have made different decisions instead of being hypnotized by power and the prophecy. Perhaps if Macbeth had had the willpower to resist killing Duncan, events would have played out differently. Or perhaps it was Macbeth's fate to act the way he did.
Good post Mark! I responded to the same question, but I said that events in my life have been guided by fate and I said that Shakespeare believed in fate. Its interesting to read about another perspective (you should read my blog to get my perspective). I like how you incorporated an argument for fate and chance for Shakespeare. Also, I like your picture at the end!
ReplyDeleteHey Mark. This is a great thought you have here and it really relates back to our work in TOK. I like how in your claim you left some wiggle room, and didn't make anything absolute. I agree with your claim that humans are spontaneous and can make their own path. You used the word believe a lot, but it's no biggy. You gave two great outlooks on Shakespeare's work.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace mark, love you.
Was M thinking about taking action towards the prophecy BEFORE he talked to Lady M?
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