Fate

The idea that events are predetermined by a power beyond human control.

The idea that events are determined by a power beyond human control.

‘Weird’ has an older association with fate, making their name suggest a connection with destiny. ‘Hand in hand’ presents them as a united group. Their references to circling, three and nine make the encounter ritualistic rather than an ordinary conversation.

The idea that events are predetermined rather than fully controlled by human choices.

Build an argument about how far fate, chance and human choices contribute to the tragedy, rather than simply listing references to stars.

Support alternative readings with evidence, then explain which interpretation you find more convincing. Avoid treating every character's claim about fate as Shakespeare's own view.

Part (b): distinguish what a character believes about fate from what Shakespeare shows happening. Weigh predictions against choices such as revenge and haste.

The belief that events are predetermined by forces beyond human control.

The idea that events or a person's future are determined by powers beyond human control.

The idea that events are already determined, rather than entirely controlled by people’s choices.

‘Weird’ carries an older association with fate, not simply the modern meaning of strange. Their joined hands make them a collective force rather than three separately developed personalities. The repeated circling and counting in their charm create a ritual that seems carefully prepared for Macbeth’s arrival.

The idea that events are predetermined rather than entirely controlled by human choices.

The belief that events are determined by a power beyond human control.

An apparently unavoidable future. In Never Let Me Go, the clones’ lives are directed towards organ donation and premature death.

The students therefore know something of their fate without confronting its full implications.

The idea that events are determined by a power beyond individual control.

The idea that events are predetermined rather than entirely controlled by individual decisions.

The idea that events are predetermined rather than entirely controlled by human choices.

The belief that events are determined by a power outside human control.

Fate means that a power beyond human control determines what happens. Free will means that people can make decisions which affect events. Chance is different from both: an unexpected accident can disrupt a plan without anyone intending it.

The idea that events are predetermined rather than wholly controlled by individual choices.

The idea that events or a person’s future are predetermined rather than decided entirely by individual choices.

Definition

How each exam board covers it

AQA GCSE English Literature · 8702

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Edexcel GCSE English Literature · 1ET0

OCR GCSE English Literature · J352

Eduqas GCSE English Literature · C720