Purchase Solution

The Three Apparitions in MacBeth by William Shakespeare

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

What are the three apparitions in Macbeth?

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

This solution lists the three apparitions in Macbeth and explains what they mean and prophesize in the play. Additionally, two reference sources are included for further investigation of the topic.

Solution Preview

The visions that Hecate sends to Macbeth are hazy but all three are symbols that foreshadow events within Macbeth. The first apparition warns to watch out for Macduff. In hearing this, Macbeth later orders Macduff's family to be murdered. However, this causes Macduff to redouble his efforts against Macbeth. This prophecy could be seen as self-fulfilling if the reader considers whether Macbeth would have lashed out at the treacherous Macduff by slaughtering his family. If it is a question of Macduff's loyalty, it is plausible to consider that Macbeth would have dealt with him as Duncan dealt with the original Thane of Cawdor. Macduff would be the one executed for treason rather than Macduff's family murdered for a prophecy.

The second vision is intriguing. The ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Matching writers to their works

The quiz will list the name of a famous writer and you will be given a number of book, poem, short story, and play titles that you must match with the correct author.

Grammar Check 1

Practice your understanding of the English language and how to properly apply it with this quiz. Quotations, contractions, subject/verb agreement, possession, and participles are among the skills tested.

Outsiders Chapter 1 Quiz

A quiz that checks the knowledge students have from the first chapter of the novel "The Outsiders" by SE Hinton

Reading for Cues to Audience, Purpose and Significance

This quiz will help students hone in on their skills for interpreting a piece of writing.

Learning Genres

This quiz gives students an easy way to practice learning about different genres of writing by associating current movie pictures and stories with a given category. The listing of genres provided are terms that every college student must learn while matriculating through school.