Final Answer:
In lines 4-25, the witches are discussing the prophecy that Macbeth will become the king. They mention his current title as the Thane of Glamis and predict his future titles as the Thane of Cawdor and, eventually, the king of Scotland.
Step-by-step explanation:
The witches' discussion in lines 4-25 revolves around the prophecy they reveal to Macbeth. In the first paragraph (lines 4-7), the witches greet Macbeth with titles he already holds, such as the Thane of Glamis. The second paragraph (lines 8-12) foretells his future as the Thane of Cawdor. The final paragraph (lines 13-25) predicts Macbeth's rise to the throne as the king of Scotland. The witches use a parallel structure, reinforcing the certainty of these prophecies and creating a rhythmic pattern in their speech.
The prophecy's significance lies in its pivotal role in shaping the play's events. Macbeth becomes obsessed with the idea of fulfilling the prophecy, leading him to commit heinous acts to secure his position as king. The witches' foretelling sets the tragic course of Macbeth's ambition and descent into madness. Shakespeare employs the witches as supernatural agents, injecting an element of the mystical into the play and exploring themes of fate and free will.
The mathematical precision in the witches' prophecy, predicting Macbeth's ascent through specific titles, adds a layer of inevitability to the narrative. The calculated progression of titles serves as a numerical anchor, emphasizing the deterministic nature of Macbeth's destiny. This precise structure heightens the dramatic tension as Macbeth grapples with the consequences of his actions in a world seemingly governed by preordained fate.