What is Macbeth's reaction to the three apparitions?

Answer 1

When Macbeth first meets the witches, he doesn't think much of what they've said until he is given the title of Thane of Cawdor which was the witches' second prophecy. This encourages his ambition, and is already contemplating murder to get to the throne, but he can't force himself to do the deed himself, and is therefore encouraged by his wife.

In the second set of prophecies Macbeth believes that he has nothing to worry about. The first apparition told him to beware Macduff, but the next two apparitions make him feel as if he does not need to worry. The second apparition tells Macbeth that he can only be killed by a man who is not born naturally from a woman. Macbeth believes that since all men are born from a woman this means that he doesn't need to worry about anyone. The third apparition tells Macbeth that he only needs to worry if the forest at the bottom of the hill that his castle is places atop begins to move up the hill. Macbeth rationalizes that a forest cannot move unless growing, which would take a large amount of time. Because of this, he believes that he is safe but just in case he decides to kill Macduff's family as a warning to him.

Answer 2

He's excited and enthusiastic about them. He wants to ask them questions but the witches won't let him. Each message is quickly analysed to see what it means for Macbeth. He reacts with joy and relief to the prophecies about "no man of woman born" and Birnam Wood coming to Dunsinane. He shows no doubt towards them.

Answer 3

What is the purpose of the appearance and speech of the messenger in

Scene 2? Who might have sent this messenger?

Answer 4

1. Beware Macduff. Not so much a prophecy as a warning. Macbeth says, "Right! I'd better kill Macduff."
2. None of woman born shall harm Macbeth. Macbeth interprets this as meaning nobody can harm him, since everyone has a mother. He'll kill Macduff anyway, because of the first prophecy.
3. Macbeth cannot be defeated until "Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane hill shall come against him." Macbeth's interpretation: "That will never be."

Answer 5

What the apparitions say is clear enough: "Beware Macduff.", "None of woman born shall harm Macbeth.", "Macbeth shall never be defeated until Birnam Wood shall come against him at Dunsinane." Macbeth determines that he will get rid of Macduff, but doesn't need to worry, because every human being is born of a woman, and trees don't move around. Unfortunately he doesn't look closely at the apparitions. The "Bloody Child" is not bloody in the way that all babies are bloody, but is extremely bloody because his mother has been cut open to deliver him, giving a hint that there is an exception to people being born of woman. Also the third apparition is carrying a tree which should be a hint as to how trees can move.

Answer 6

He discounted what they said. He couldn't imagine how the forest would move or that he would kill.