Self Fulfilling Prophecy In Macbeth

Ambition and self-fulfilling prophecies two seemingly unrelated things that are actually intertwined with one another. Ambition is the thing that drives many people to do the things they love. Self-fulfilling prophecies are a direct result of ambition by the person subconsciously doing things to get their foreseen future. These things help the advancement of people’s lives. It is part of life to want to succeed and have dreams be fulfilled. Many people gain fulfillment through hard work and persistence. This is how Macbeth was at the beginning of the story. He was a brave warrior who was known and even honored by the king. Unfortunately, Macbeth’s ambition takes control and he decides that he wants more power no matter what it takes to get it. Many people move up through the ranks of life by working hard and never quitting. However, Macbeth attempts to gain this through one thing: Murder. Although Macbeth is pressured and influenced by people and supernatural beings, his downfall is ultimately a product of his own ambition and a phenomenon called a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The play Macbeth plays with the ideas of supernatural powers and beings and their influences on life. In fact, the first major influence of Macbeth is the shocking prophecy told by the three sisters. “All hail, Macbeth!

He consciously makes the decision to kill King Duncan. He is also shown to know that his feelings and actions are with evil intent “Stars, hide your fires;/Let not light see my black and deep desires” (1.4.333-334). The fact that Macbeth is in control of his actions is proven by Banquo. Banquo also was told a prophecy by the three sisters “Lesser than Macbeth, and greater./Not so happy, yet much happier./Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none”. However, Banquo remained totally loyal to King Duncan never even slightly wavering at the opportunity of his children being royalty.