Questions and Answers
What are the witches putting in the pot and what do these things imply?
Putting in parts, blood, most parts are poisonous, some undesirable, implying that Macbeth is no longer human, half monster, half man; he has lost his humanity.
What does the first apparition look like and what does it tell Macbeth?
An armed head, warning him to beware Macduff, the thane of Fife.
What does the second apparition look like and what does it tell Macbeth?
A bloody child, telling him that no one born of a woman shall harm Macbeth.
What does Macbeth think killing Macduff will do?
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What does the third apparition look like and what does it tell Macbeth to do?
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What does Macbeth think the third apparition looks like?
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How does Macbeth interpret the third apparition's advice?
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What is the last thing Macbeth's heart throbs to know from the witches?
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What do the witches show Macbeth that perturbs him?
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Who stops by Macbeth's palace just after the witches leave?
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Where has Macduff fled?
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What does Macbeth blame for Macduff fleeing and his plans being ruined?
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What does Macbeth plan to do to Macduff?
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Study Notes
Witches’ Cauldron
- The witches brew a potion containing various parts, including blood, symbolizing the malign nature of their magic.
- The mixture implies that Macbeth has lost his humanity, transforming into a monstrous figure.
First Apparition: Armed Head
- Appears as an armed head and warns Macbeth to beware of Macduff, Thane of Fife.
- Commands Macbeth to dismiss others, emphasizing the urgency of this advice.
Second Apparition: Bloody Child
- Portrayed as a bloody child, it instructs Macbeth to be bold and fearless.
- It conveys that no man born of a woman can harm Macbeth, fostering his overconfidence.
Macbeth’s Fear and Resolution
- Macbeth believes that killing Macduff will alleviate his fear and allow him to sleep peacefully at night.
- It reflects his increasing paranoia and the extent to which he will go to secure his power.
Third Apparition: Crowned Child
- Depicted as a crowned child holding a tree, it tells Macbeth he cannot be defeated until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill.
- Encourages Macbeth to be proud and unyielding against potential adversaries.
Macbeth’s Interpretation of the Third Apparition
- Macbeth concludes that the Birnam Wood cannot uproot itself, leading him to believe he will reign indefinitely and meet a natural death.
Last Concern: Banquo’s Lineage
- Macbeth is troubled by the idea of Banquo's descendants one day ruling the kingdom.
- His heart throbs with the fear of losing his power to Banquo’s lineage.
Eight Kings Shown to Macbeth
- The witches conjure eight kings, showcasing Banquo and his heirs, which deeply disturbs Macbeth.
- This vision symbolizes the threat to his throne from Banquo’s descendants.
Entrance of Lennox
- Lennox arrives at Macbeth's palace shortly after the witches depart, indicating the political intrigue surrounding Macbeth's rule.
Macduff’s Escape
- Macduff has fled to England, seeking refuge from Macbeth’s tyranny and plotting against him.
- His escape symbolizes growing opposition against Macbeth's reign.
Macbeth's Blame for Ruined Plans
- Macbeth blames the element of time for Macduff's flight and the disruption of his schemes, showcasing his desperation and instability.
Macbeth's Plan Against Macduff
- Plans to raid Macduff's castle and kill his family, indicating his ruthless nature and determination to eliminate threats.
- Reflects his descent into tyranny and moral decay as he targets innocent lives to secure his power.
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