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Power Of Prophecy In Macbeth

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The power of suggestion and the power of prophecy have a significant role in influencing the decisions one makes. This can be seen in the play, Macbeth, and in today’s contemporary society. Within the play, the evil third witch states the prophecy, “All hail, Macbeth, the future king!” to Macbeth, himself (I.iii.51). This absurd statement made by the malicious witches seems ridiculous to believe. Nevertheless, Macbeth is later seen to be highly gullible and an easy a target of persuasion when he decides to trust the witches. He asserts himself in act I, scene vii that “ if the assassination [of the King] could trammel up the consequence, and catch with his surcease success; that but this blow might be the be-all and the end-all here” (2-5). Macbeth, in this quote, is seriously contemplating whether he should kill the current king, King Duncan. He is under the influence that he must kill King Duncan in order to become king, because he believes in the prophecy and is trying to make it true. If he had not heard of this prophecy before, he most likely would not have even think to kill a man who is so highly honored …show more content…

For example, if children are told that they can become a social media or youtube star from youth and make a lot of money from it, then they will most likely do everything in their power to produce videos and content that live up to that standard and gain more followers. This suggestion would affect the children’s actions. Another example of the power of suggestion in today’s society would be a fortune teller who prophesizes that a person will find love soon. The person who is receiving this information might instead search for love instead of ignoring the revelation and going on with everyday life. In all, the power suggestion and prophecy can make a person more inclined to do something that he or she has not thought of doing before and can be seen in fiction or even in today’s

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