Reflection On Act 1, Macbeth

"Does nature or nurture determine a person’s destiny?"

In Act 1, Scene 3, Macbeth discovers that it is his destiny to be king. After the weird sisters first prediction came true, Macbeth thought about the possibilities of he, himself becoming king.

MACBETH

(aside)      Two truths are told,

As happy prologues to the swelling act

Of the imperial theme. (to ROSS and ANGUS) I thank you, gentlemen.

(aside) This supernatural soliciting

Cannot be ill, cannot be good. If ill,

Why hath it given me earnest of success,

Commencing in a truth? I am thane of Cawdor.

If good, why do I yield to that suggestion

Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair

And make my seated heart knock at my ribs,

Against the use of nature? Present fears

Are less than horrible imaginings.

In the above passage he wonders if his path is already chosen. He thinks about the possibilities of himself becoming king without him having to forcibly get it. This also connects to the question "How far are you willing to go to get what you desire most?"

This passage spoke to me because I saw that this is the part of the story where Macbeth started to ponder his future. Should he kill the king to become king himself? Or should he accept his social standings? This is important because it starts the rest of the story. It leaves you wondering what could happen and also the consequences of the actions.