Question

What were the four apparitions that the witches showed Macbeth, and what belief did each apparition lead Macbeth to embrace?

Options:
A) A floating dagger - Belief in the need to kill King Duncan
B) Banquo's ghost - Belief in the threat to his throne and the need for further violence
C) A crowned child with a tree in his hand - Belief in his invincibility and security as king
D) A line of kings - Belief in the continuation of his lineage and assurance of his rule's longevity

Answer 1

The witches show Macbeth four apparitions in 'Macbeth', each leading him to believe in his own invincibility, the perceived necessity to target threats, and ultimately the futility of his efforts to secure his lineage.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the witches show Macbeth four apparitions that lead him to various beliefs:

• An armed head, warning Macbeth to beware of Macduff, instilling in him a sense of caution against perceived threats.
• A bloody child, which tells Macbeth that “none of woman born shall harm Macbeth,” which leads Macbeth to believe that he is invincible, given his interpretation that everyone is born of a woman.
• A crowned child holding a tree, which says that Macbeth will not be vanquished until Great Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Hill. This vision convinces Macbeth of his near invincibility, as he cannot fathom a forest moving.
• A procession of eight kings followed by the ghost of Banquo, suggesting that although Macbeth is king, it is Banquo’s lineage that will continue the royal line, dashing Macbeth’s hopes of founding a dynasty.

These apparitions misled Macbeth into a false sense of security and ultimately contributed to his downfall.