Equivocation and Free Choice in Macbeth

Tragedy to the ancient Greeks included fate or the gods presenting man with an unavoidable destiny. In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Shakespeare's witches give voice to Macbeth's destiny. However, the unfolding action demonstrates not the inevitability of fate, but Macbeth's own role in what takes place. By establishing an equivocal use of opposing images, Shakespeare enhances his development of the conflict between fate and man's choice. The continual conflict is designed to keep the tension …

…instruments of fate, the witches, but having this occur through chosen actions rather than inevitable destiny. Through use of the equivocating statements filled with ambiguous, double meaning, Shakespeare establishes mood and tension while also establishing the role of self-justification in attempts to fulfill destiny through one's own actions and the dangers this can cause as evidenced by the instability it creates for those trying to live with two sides of existence at the same time.