Fate And Apparition In Macbeth

In this passage Macbeth has come to visit the witches and demand that they tell him his fate. The witches decide to tell him his fate in the form of apparitions. The first apparition (not included in this passage) is to beware Macduff. The second apparition is called the “bloody child” ( 97), while the third is named “a child crowned, with a tree in his hand” ( 97). The witches play into Macbeth's ego when informing him of his fate, making them appear simple at first glance. These prophecies give Macbeth the idea that he’s invincible, leading him to believe that he can manipulate and control his fate.

The “bloody child” apparition “none of woman born shall harm Macbeth” ( 91-92), this means that anyone born from a woman cannot wrong Macbeth. The “a child crowned, with a tree in his hand” apparition tells that “Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him” (105-108) meaning that until wood can grow legs and walk he is not in danger. After he learns his fate Macbeth asks “shall Banquo’s issue ever Reign in this kingdom?” (116-117)

The witches continue to tell Macbeth what he wants to hear by making him accept in moving trees. The imagery linked with the third apparition (a child crowned, with a tree in his hand) is so vivid it gives the readers a visual of wood up rooting itself and helps us understand just how silly this is. The tone changes from dramatic to almost comical. It connects us with Macbeth and how he interprets this message, saying “that will never be (108)”, leading us to reinforce the idea that “Macbeth shall never Vanquish(105)”. The witches know that once he views all of the apparitions he will conclude that he will continue his reign in Scotland with no interferences and will not look beyond their words. If Macbeth is to continue his reign in Scotland, Scotland will soon