Question

Who is the speaker? Macbeth sees the 4th apparition. What is this person seeing? (Be sure to include all)

Answer 1

Macbeth is the speaker in the provided excerpts, and he is reacting to the prophecies of the witches. The fourth apparition, not shown here, displays a line of eight kings and the ghost of Banquo, indicating that Banquo's descendants will reign rather than Macbeth's own lineage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question is twofold, asking about the speaker during a specific moment in Shakespeare's Macbeth, and what is being seen by this character. In the context provided, the speaker is Macbeth himself. He encounters a series of apparitions brought forth by the witches that reveal prophecies concerning his future. The fourth apparition that Macbeth sees is not included in the excerpts provided, but as described in the play, the fourth apparition is a sequence of eight kings, followed by the ghost of Banquo, that signifies a line of kings that will descend from Banquo.

These prophetic visions have a profound impact on Macbeth, revealing to him that, although he will become king, he will not found a lasting dynasty. Instead, his companion Banquo's lineage will sit on the throne for generations to come. This revelation fuels Macbeth's paranoia and contributes to his eventual downfall, as he feels threatened by the presence of Banquo's heirs to his newfound power. The sense of foreboding and the supernatural elements present in these apparitions enhance the dark and ominous atmosphere of the tragedy and underscore the themes of ambition, fate, and the corrupting power of unchecked desire.

Answer 2

The speaker in question is Macbeth, and during the fourth apparition, he sees a line of kings that are suggested to be the descendants of Banquo. This is significant as it contradicts Macbeth's ambitions and premonitions of his own lineage securing the throne, pushing forward the themes of fate, ambition, and guilt in Shakespeare's tragedy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding the Fourth Apparition in Macbeth

The question pertains to a key moment in William Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth, where the character Macbeth is confronted with several apparitions while visiting the witches for prophecies. Particularly, the fourth apparition that Macbeth sees is a vision of a line of kings, which are suggested to be descendants of Banquo, his comrade and fellow general. This revelation is alarming to Macbeth because it contradicts his ambitions and desires; instead of his lineage securing the throne, it appears to be Banquo's progeny who will rule. This is deeply troubling to Macbeth, as he has already committed regicide and several other atrocities in his quest for power, prompted by the witches' initial prophecies.

Throughout the play, Shakespeare uses apparitions and the supernatural as a narrative device to convey themes of fate, ambition, and guilt. These themes are closely examined through Macbeth's reactions to the apparitions, which foreshadow his eventual downfall. Notably, the prophecies provided by the witches play a critical role in driving Macbeth's actions, suggesting a predestined outcome and the inescapable nature of fate. Macbeth's encounter with the fourth apparition is a turning point, signifying the inevitable failure of his quest for absolute power and the consequences of his hubris.