Final Answer:
The three ghosts say to Macbeth: "The first ghost says to fear Macduff, the second ghost says that no man born from a woman can harm Macbeth, and the third ghost says that Macbeth will be king until the forest moves to the hill" (Option 1).
Step-by-step explanation:
In William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," the three apparitions that appear to Macbeth deliver specific prophecies. The first ghost advises Macbeth to beware of Macduff, signaling a potential threat. The second ghost assures Macbeth that he cannot be harmed by any man born of a woman, providing a false sense of invincibility. The third ghost predicts that Macbeth will be safe until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill, which later proves to be a metaphorical prediction.
This sequence of prophecies is crucial in shaping Macbeth's decisions and actions. The first two prophecies contribute to Macbeth's overconfidence, leading him to believe he is invulnerable. However, the third prophecy introduces a clever twist, as Macbeth initially interprets it literally, only to realize later that it refers to Malcolm's army camouflaging themselves with branches from Birnam Wood. The complexity of the prophecies adds layers to the plot, showcasing Macbeth's tragic misinterpretation and eventual downfall.
In summary, the accuracy and consequences of the prophecies provided by the three ghosts are central to the play's exploration of ambition, fate, and the destructive consequences of unchecked power. The interplay between the prophecies and Macbeth's responses contributes to the dramatic tension and tragic trajectory of the narrative.