Prophecies

• The First Prophecy

  ‘All Hail Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor!’

  This particular prophecy is an example of dramatic irony – the audience are already aware that this part of the witches’ prophecy will come true. This causes us to take more note of the witches and what they are saying.

  Act 1, Scene 3
• The Second Prophecy

  ‘All hail Macbeth that shalt be king hereafter!’

  Arguably, planting the idea in Macbeth’s head that he could become king, merely awakened his darker, selfishly ambitious side of his character. It could be said that this is less of a prophecy on the witches’ part and more of a self-fulfilling prophecy on Macbeth’s part (especially when Lady Macbeth finds out about it).

  Act 1, Scene 3
• The Third Prophecy

  To Banquo: ‘thou shalt get kings, though thou be none’.

  The inclusion of Banquo in the prophecy telling signifies Banquo’s demise at the hands of Macbeth. Here, the use of Banquo as a foil is especially prominent: whilst Macbeth obsesses over the prophecy and manipulates his life to ensure it comes true, Banquo refuses to give it any more thought and will not be drawn into thoughts or actions which may be dishonourable, even if they do mean he will gain from them.

  Act 1, Scene 3
• The First Apparition

  ‘Beware Macduff, Beware the Thane of Fife’.

  The First Apparition, in the warlike shape of a head wearing a helmet, warns Macbeth of Macduff. Act 4, Scene 1
• The Second Apparition

  ‘Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn the power of man, for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth’

  The Second Apparition tells Macbeth that he shall not die at the hand of a woman born.

  Its shape as a bloody child suggests the trickery of the prediction, resembling the outcome of a Caesarean birth. Act 4, Scene 1
• The Third Apparition

  ‘Be lion-mettled, proud, and take no care who chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are. Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnham wood to high Dunsinane hill shall come against him’.

  The Third Apparition tells Macbeth not to fear defeat until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane.

  Its shape, a child crowned holding a tree in its hand, reveals how this shall come about.

  Act 4, Scene 1