Final answer:
In Shakespeare's 'Macbeth,' the witches show Macbeth four apparitions: an armed head, a bloody child, a crowned child with a tree, and a line of kings, all conveying prophecies that contribute to his arrogance and his concern over his legacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Four Apparitions in Macbeth In Macbeth, the witches show Macbeth four apparitions, each carrying a prophetic message that leads Macbeth to believe in his invulnerability and eventual downfall. The first apparition is an armed head, warning him to beware of Macduff. This makes Macbeth cautious of Macduff but also gives him a false sense of security. The second apparition is a bloody child, who tells Macbeth that no one born of a woman will harm him, reinforcing his confidence. The third apparition is a crowned child holding a tree, who says that Macbeth will not be vanquished until Great Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Hill. This seems impossible to Macbeth, heightening his feeling of invincibility. Finally, the fourth apparition shows a line of kings descended from Banquo, suggesting that Macbeth's own legacy will not continue and Banquo's lineage will reign.
An Armed Head:
Prophecy: The vision of an armed head warns Macbeth to beware of Macduff.
Macbeth's Belief: This leads Macbeth to believe that Macduff poses a threat to his ambitions and that he should be wary of him.
A Bloody Child:
Prophecy: The vision of a bloody child tells Macbeth that he cannot be harmed by any man born of a woman.
Macbeth's Belief: This misleads Macbeth into a false sense of security, as he interprets it to mean that he is invincible since everyone is born of a woman.
A Crowned Child with a Tree in His Hand:
Prophecy: The vision of a crowned child holding a tree assures Macbeth that he will not be defeated until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane.
Macbeth's Belief: This makes Macbeth overconfident, as he thinks that the conditions are impossible and that he is secure in his position.
Eight Kings Appearing, the Last with a Mirror in His Hand:
Prophecy: The vision of eight kings, with Banquo's descendants among them, suggests that Banquo's lineage will inherit the throne.
Macbeth's Belief: This disturbs Macbeth, as it implies a threat to his dynasty. It fuels his paranoia and intensifies his determination to eliminate any perceived threats.