What do you think is the symbolism of the apparition’s mirror with the reflections of Banquo’s descendants?
Macbeth asks the three witches if “Banquo’s issue [will] ever reign in this kingdom?” (4.1.113-114) Upon asking, Macbeth is presented with eight kings and Banquo last, with a mirror in his hand. This indicates that Banquo will “father” a long line of Kings. This line of Kings will not only last till eight generations, but beyond that. The mirror is significant as it captures the innumerable amount of Kings from Banquo’s line.
Hecate was an ancient Greek Goddess of crossroads, women and children and witchcraft. As all pagan figures were, she was demonized by the Christian church. Considering different contexts of reception, how do you think her presence in this scene affects the audience’s view of the witches and their intentions? What do you think the witches intentions are?
Hecate is the goddess of witchcraft, and one can view her as the ruler of the Three Witches. In Act 3, Scene 5, Hecate appears before the Witches and demands to know why she has been excluded from their meetings with Macbeth. She tells them that Macbeth will be back to know his destiny and she proclaims that he will see apparitions that will, “by the strength of their illusion” lead him to conclude that he is safe. She plays an important role in the play because of the lines she utters at the end of the scene: “And you all know, security/Is mortals’ chiefest enemy.” She reveals in these lines that Macbeth’s belief that he is untouchable will ultimately result in his downfall. I believe that the witches intentions are to ruin Macbeth by misleading him. Since Act 1, they’ve played an important role in the destruction and downfall of Macbeth by plaguing him with false prophecies and visions.
What do you think is the significance of this scene in terms of Macbeth’s character development? (in terms of his ambitions and the wickedness of his actions)
Macbeth was very curious and ambitious about the future of his throne. His questions for the three sisters and his reactions to the apparitions proved his willingness (to continue to fight) and his evilness. He claimed that “the castle of Macduff I will surprise, Seize upon Fife, give to th’ edge o’th’ sword/ His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls/ That trace him in his line. No boasting like a fool.” (4.1.165-170) Macbeth’s vaulting ambition can be seen as he states his desires to raid Macduff’s castle, to seize the town of Fife, and to kill Macduff’s wife and children and anyone else unfortunate enough to stand in line for his inheritance. This line clearly portrays his wickedness; this scene is a huge indicator of character development as it proves Macbeth’s increasing ambition and evilness.
Each apparition is described in a specific way. What do you think each apparition represents?
The first apparition is of an armed head with an armored helmet. This apparition tells Macbeth to be aware of Macduff. This armed head represents the battle that is about to ensue between Macbeth and Macduff. The second apparition is of a bloody child. This apparition tells Macbeth that “none of woman born shall harm him.” It is believed that this bloody child symbolizes Macduff when he was born through a Cesarean section. This can symbolize that the person who will kill and defeat Macbeth will be the one who wasn’t born naturally. The third apparition is of a crowned child holding a tree who tells him that he is safe until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill. This apparition representation of the attack on Macbeth by Malcolm.
Do you think the witches are purposely trying to spur on Macbeth and bring him to his fall or do you think they are simply and objectively telling the future as they see it?
I believe that the witches are trying to mislead Macbeth since the beginning of the play. The evil sisters’ plans to plague Macbeth with false prophecies was evident during Hecate’s dialogue in Scene 3, Act 5. She stated that she will “draw him on his confusion” and that “he shall spurn fate, scorn death, and bear his hopes above wisdom, grace, and fear.”
Do you think this scene supports the idea that Macbeth’s fate is unavoidable and out of his control? Or do you think Macbeth’s fall was the result of his own actions? Even at this point (now that Macbeth has committed so many evil deeds) do you think there was anything he could have done to avoid his death?
Macbeth’s downfall and destruction are a direct result of his choices, the witches’ prophecies and Lady Macbeth’s constant persuasion. I believe that Macbeth can not do anything to avoid his death at this point because Macduff and Malcolm seem very determined to overthrow Macbeth. This passage displayed that some things are out of Macbeth’s control, however, Macbeth’s actions and choices are also to be blamed.
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