I have just completed a practise biology exam, so to give myself a break, I am going to post on live journal.

So at the moment in English we are studying Macbeth. As a complete and utter nerd, I couldn’t help but compare it to Harry Potter. Why, you ask me, I have no idea, but I shall share with you what I come up with.

Self-fulfilling prophecies:

At the start of the play, Macbeth hears the prophecy that he will become king. It is only after he hears the prophecy that he takes the steps that cause him to become king. This is a self-fulfilling prophecy- the same as in Harry Potter. Voldemort hears the prophecy that a child will be born with the “Power to vanquish the dark lord.” So he goes and tries to kill Harry, and in effect hands him the power. So the prophecy is self fulfilling.

Believing you are invincible:

Both Voldemort and Macbeth believe that they are “invincible” and that no mortal can kill them. They then taunt the person they are duelling with, and end up eating their words when they end up dead minutes later.

Creating your own enemy:

When Macbeth returns to the witches for answers, they give him three more prophecies. “None that are women born shall harm Macbeth” and “Beware Macduff,” are two of the three. So silly Macbeth sends some murderers to kill Macduff and his family, just as a precaution. However, Macduff is out of town, so only his family is killed. When Macduff hears of what has happened to his family, he resolves to kill Macbeth – something he would not have done if Macbeth hadn’t killed his family. (Just like dear old Harry). Macbeth – who is not of women born – has the power to kill Macbeth, but wouldn’t have used it without the motivation. So Macbeth, like Voldemort, created his own enemy.

I’m actually enjoying Macbeth. :)

All hail Macbeth, who shalt be king herefore after.

Philosophising over Macbeth and HP in the corner.