In various works of fiction, prophecies often give characters insight into what will happen in their future. Generally, characters who receive prophecies always try to take advantage of the information given to them in order to avoid negative consequences for their future. However, in many situations where characters attempt to manipulate prophecies, any attempt to alter their future proves futile and the prediction becomes reality. The character has no chance of avoiding what awaits him, whether it be glory and riches, or humiliation and death. William Shakespeare illustrates this negative aspect of the prophecy motif in the play Macbeth. Shakespeare incorporates the theme of prophecy leading people to their doom in order to warn the audience that free will is only a product of the overactive minds of individuals and that no matter what we do, our destiny predetermined is inevitable. Throughout Macbeth, Shakespeare emphasizes his view that man does not have the ability to alter the future predetermined by higher powers. Macbeth's failure to prevent Banquo's descendants from becoming rulers of Scotland, as predicted by the witches' prophecies, reiterates Shakespeare's perspective that no matter what man does, man cannot change the way the world will become. Macbeth laments how he murdered Duncan, just so that Banquo's descendants would become the rulers of Scotland for centuries to come when he says: "Then, like a prophet, they hailed him as father of 'a line of kings. On my head they placed a barren crown and put a barren scepter in my hand, only to be snatched away with a non-linear hand, none of my sons succeed. (Act III, scene I 64-69) Despite Macbeth's best efforts, Banquo's descendants middle of paper ...... a free thinker ahead of his time, Shakespeare challenged this notion to force people to think about their place in the world and what they are supposed to do with their lives. By increasing the self-awareness of the population, Shakespeare empowered individuals to become better people and improve their lives. It is important to know where you are in life: if you think you have achieved your own expectations and goals in life, there is no need to work or improve. However, as is most often the case, if one was not aware of one's place in life and had not yet achieved one's goals, Shakespeare's writings would serve as a wake-up call and would motivate the public to reform their position in their community. When people know where they stand in relation to the world and the people around them, they are more able to do better and gain a better perspective on their world..