Question

In The Tragedy of Macbeth, Act IV, why does Macbeth take comfort in the second and third predictions of the apparitions?

Answer 1

When Macbeth first meets the witches, he doesn't think much of what they've said until he is given the title of Thane of Cawdor which was the witches' second prophecy. This encourages his ambition, and is already contemplating murder to get to the throne, but he can't force himself to do the deed himself, and is therefore encouraged by his wife.In the second set of prophecies Macbeth believes that he has nothing to worry about. The first apparition told him to beware Macduff, but the next two apparitions make him feel as if he does not need to worry.

Answer 2

Macbeth feels comfortable when he hears the witches second and third predictions because he believes that such events would never actually happen, so he does not have to worry about him losing the throne. An example is "Birnam wood to come to Dunsinane" and how he thinks it is impossible for woods to ever come into the castle. He feels secure with the idea that he does not have to worry about those things and thinks he can keep his position as King.

Step-by-step explanation:

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