Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-1-2-ambition-and-fate

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# Ambition & Fate

English Lit: AQA GCSE Macbeth, topic 3.1.2

## Macbeth - Ambitious, but Torn

Macbeth meets the three witches while returning from the battle. They greet him as Thane of Glamis (which he is), Thane of Cawdor (which the audience knows he is, but Macbeth does not) and tell him he shall be king.

### Impulsive reaction

![Impulsive reaction](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/e924cb02-a1be-4597-82f6-cd06079a513f/shutterstock_617032409.jpg)

- When he finds out that he is in fact Thane of Cawdor, as the witches have told him, his mind leaps to the possibility of becoming king: **'Two truths are told / As happy prologues to the swelling act / Of the imperial theme'** (1,3).
- But he is immediately not sure if what he has been told is for the best. It's good because he is now Thane of Cawdor. But if it was truly good, he would not feel so unsettled: **'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?'** (1,3).

### Death of the king

![Death of the king](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/dd94ed2a-1b87-4800-b12d-9ffde626a8e5/shutterstock_61079065.jpg)

- His mind jumps to the death of King Duncan. This is the only way that Macbeth can become king. 
- The imagery of terror that Shakespeare uses, like Macbeth’s hair standing on end and his heart thumping, suggests that Macbeth is already thinking about murder.  
- This shows how quickly the possibility of power has moved him from a loyal subject to the worst kind of traitor.  
- This is also the start of Macbeth having torn thoughts.

## Fate and Macbeth's Ambition

As Macbeth becomes more ambitious, his acceptance of fate changes:

### Accepts fate

![Accepts fate](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/9db7ba45-353d-4e5b-bc1d-42bb5e16e671/shutterstock_770301253.jpg)

- Towards the beginning of the play, Macbeth decides that if fate has said he will be king, then that will happen without him interfering: **'If chance will have me king, why then chance may crown me, / Without my stir'** (1,3).

### Tries to change fate

![Tries to change fate](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/cb6ed399-d614-4667-b40d-d9541e5e2ddc/shutterstock_781920754.jpg)

- However, as the play progresses we see Macbeth actively attempting to change the fates so that he can keep his power.
 - He kills Banquo in an attempt to avoid Banquo’s sons taking the throne (as the witches prophecised).
 - He kills Lady Macduff and her son in an attempt to remove any competition from the Macduff family.

## Test yourself on Ambition & Fate

- **'Whose horrid image doth unfix my hair, / And make my seated heart knock at my ribs'**What does the imagery of terror suggest in this quote?
- Who does Macbeth kill in an attempt to keep his power?
- What does the following quote show Macbeth has decided?**'If chance will have me king, why then chance may crown me, / Without my stir'** (1,3)
- What does Macbeth do to try and change fate to keep his power?

[Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/155ff5e0-374d-11e8-b1d7-1d16c592d2f8/section/0a67c1f0-3819-11e8-b34a-5bc5f2f2854d/session)

- Previous topic: [3.1.1 Hero vs Villain](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-1-1-hero-vs-villain.md)
- Next topic: [3.1.3 Relationship](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-1-3-relationship.md)

## English Lit: AQA GCSE Macbeth contents

### 1 Literary & Cultural Context
- 1.1 Context
  - [1.1.1 Tragedy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/1-1-1-tragedy.md)
  - [1.1.2 The Supernatural](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/1-1-2-the-supernatural.md)
  - [1.1.3 Gender](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/1-1-3-gender.md)
  - [1.1.4 Politics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/1-1-4-politics.md)
  - [1.1.5 Monarchy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/1-1-5-monarchy.md)
  - [1.1.6 End of Topic Test - Context](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/1-1-6-end-of-topic-test-context.md)

### 2 Plot Summary
- 2.1 Act 1
  - [2.1.1 Scenes 1 & 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/2-1-1-scenes-1-and-2.md)
  - [2.1.2 Scene 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/2-1-2-scene-3.md)
  - [2.1.3 Scenes 4-5](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/2-1-3-scenes-4-5.md)
  - [2.1.4 Scenes 6-7](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/2-1-4-scenes-6-7.md)
  - [2.1.5 End of Topic Test - Act 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/2-1-5-end-of-topic-test-act-1.md)
- 2.2 Acts 2-4
  - [2.2.1 Act 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/2-2-1-act-2.md)
  - [2.2.2 Act 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/2-2-2-act-3.md)
  - [2.2.3 Act 4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/2-2-3-act-4.md)
- 2.3 Act 5
  - [2.3.1 Scenes 1-3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/2-3-1-scenes-1-3.md)
  - [2.3.2 Scenes 4-8](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/2-3-2-scenes-4-8.md)
  - [2.3.3 End of Topic Test - Acts 2-5](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/2-3-3-end-of-topic-test-acts-2-5.md)
  - [2.3.4 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Ambiguous Ending](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/2-3-4-diagnostic-misconceptions-ambiguous-ending.md)
  - [2.3.5 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Jacobean](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/2-3-5-diagnostic-misconceptions-jacobean.md)

### 3 Characters
- 3.1 Macbeth
  - [3.1.1 Hero vs Villain](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-1-1-hero-vs-villain.md)
  - [3.1.2 Ambition & Fate](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-1-2-ambition-and-fate.md)
  - [3.1.3 Relationship](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-1-3-relationship.md)
  - [3.1.4 Unstable](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-1-4-unstable.md)
  - [3.1.5 Tyrant](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-1-5-tyrant.md)
  - [3.1.6 End of Topic Test - Macbeth](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-1-6-end-of-topic-test-macbeth.md)
  - [3.1.7 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Cowardice](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-1-7-diagnostic-misconceptions-cowardice.md)
  - [3.1.8 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Madness](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-1-8-diagnostic-misconceptions-madness.md)
  - [3.1.9 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Power](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-1-9-diagnostic-misconceptions-power.md)
- 3.2 Lady Macbeth
  - [3.2.1 Masculine & Ruthless](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-2-1-masculine-and-ruthless.md)
  - [3.2.2 Manipulative & Disturbed](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-2-2-manipulative-and-disturbed.md)
  - [3.2.3 Diagnostic Misconceptions - NOT a Man](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-2-3-diagnostic-misconceptions-not-a-man.md)
  - [3.2.4 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Villain](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-2-4-diagnostic-misconceptions-villain.md)
- 3.3 Other Characters
  - [3.3.1 Banquo](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-3-1-banquo.md)
  - [3.3.2 The Witches](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-3-2-the-witches.md)
  - [3.3.3 Exam-Style Questions - The Witches](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-3-3-exam-style-questions-the-witches.md)
  - [3.3.4 King Duncan](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-3-4-king-duncan.md)
  - [3.3.5 Macduff](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-3-5-macduff.md)
  - [3.3.6 End of Topic Test - Lady Macbeth & Banquo](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-3-6-end-of-topic-test-lady-macbeth-and-banquo.md)
  - [3.3.7 End of Topic Test - Witches, Duncan & Macduff](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-3-7-end-of-topic-test-witches-duncan-and-macduff.md)
  - [3.3.8 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Banquo](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-3-8-diagnostic-misconceptions-banquo.md)
- 3.4 Grade 9 - Key Characters
  - [3.4.1 Grade 9 - Lady Macbeth Questions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/3-4-1-grade-9-lady-macbeth-questions.md)

### 4 Themes
- 4.1 Themes
  - [4.1.1 Power & Ambition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/4-1-1-power-and-ambition.md)
  - [4.1.2 Power & Ambition HyperLearning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/4-1-2-power-and-ambition-hyperlearning.md)
  - [4.1.3 Violence](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/4-1-3-violence.md)
  - [4.1.4 The Supernatural](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/4-1-4-the-supernatural.md)
  - [4.1.5 Masculinity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/4-1-5-masculinity.md)
  - [4.1.6 Armour, Kingship & The Natural Order](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/4-1-6-armour-kingship-and-the-natural-order.md)
  - [4.1.7 Appearances & Deception](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/4-1-7-appearances-and-deception.md)
  - [4.1.8 Madness & Blood](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/4-1-8-madness-and-blood.md)
  - [4.1.9 Women, Children & Sleep](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/4-1-9-women-children-and-sleep.md)
  - [4.1.10 End of Topic Test - Themes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/4-1-10-end-of-topic-test-themes.md)
  - [4.1.11 End of Topic Test - Themes 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/4-1-11-end-of-topic-test-themes-2.md)
- 4.2 Grade 9 - Themes
  - [4.2.1 Grade 9 - Themes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/4-2-1-grade-9-themes.md)
  - [4.2.2 Extract Analysis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/4-2-2-extract-analysis.md)

### 5 Writer's Techniques
- 5.1 Structure, Meter & Other Literary Techniques
  - [5.1.1 Structure, Meter & Dramatic Irony](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/5-1-1-structure-meter-and-dramatic-irony.md)
  - [5.1.2 Pathetic Fallacy & Symbolism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/5-1-2-pathetic-fallacy-and-symbolism.md)
  - [5.1.3 End of Topic Test - Writer's Techniques](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/5-1-3-end-of-topic-test-writers-techniques.md)

### 6 Recap: Main Quotes
- 6.1 Characters Quotes
  - [6.1.1 Macbeth](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-1-1-macbeth.md)
  - [6.1.2 Macbeth 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-1-2-macbeth-2.md)
  - [6.1.3 Macbeth 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-1-3-macbeth-3.md)
  - [6.1.4 Macbeth 4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-1-4-macbeth-4.md)
  - [6.1.5 Lady Macbeth](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-1-5-lady-macbeth.md)
  - [6.1.6 Lady Macbeth 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-1-6-lady-macbeth-2.md)
  - [6.1.7 Banquo](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-1-7-banquo.md)
  - [6.1.8 Banquo 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-1-8-banquo-2.md)
  - [6.1.9 The Witches](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-1-9-the-witches.md)
  - [6.1.10 King Duncan](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-1-10-king-duncan.md)
  - [6.1.11 Macduff](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-1-11-macduff.md)
  - [6.1.12 Extra Questions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-1-12-extra-questions.md)
- 6.2 Text Structure - Quotes
  - [6.2.1 Violence](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-2-1-violence.md)
  - [6.2.2 The Supernatural](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-2-2-the-supernatural.md)
  - [6.2.3 Ambition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-2-3-ambition.md)
  - [6.2.4 Armour, Kingship & the Natural Order](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-2-4-armour-kingship-and-the-natural-order.md)
  - [6.2.5 Appearances & Deception](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-2-5-appearances-and-deception.md)
  - [6.2.6 Lady Macbeth's Masculinity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-2-6-lady-macbeths-masculinity.md)
  - [6.2.7 Madness & Blood](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-2-7-madness-and-blood.md)
  - [6.2.8 Men, Children & Sleep](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/macbeth/6-2-8-men-children-and-sleep.md)