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 heightened and prepare the reader/viewer for the effects this has on the mind and destiny of man.
The b…