Prophecies In Macbeth

Macbeth, a story written by William Shakespeare that revolves around the power hungry Thane of Cawdor, is established as a play of prophecies throughout the work. Although it can be interpreted as a play of morality, as Macbeth does eventually realize his mistakes and is punished for them, the plot is ultimately based on a number of supernatural predictions. Macbeth is established as a play of prophecies through the inclusion of the three witches, who essentially dictate the plot. The first prophecy, which plays a major role in furthering the plot, is found when the witches inform Macbeth, the current Thane of Glamis, that he will soon also become the Thane of Cawdor. After catching sight of Macbeth for the first time, the witches break out

The first apparition the he sees is an armed head that proclaims, “Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff” (61). Even though Macbeth does not believe that Macduff is capable of harming him, this prophecy comes true when he is killed by him at the conclusion of the work. The next wraith for Macbeth’s viewing is a bloodied that informs him that he will be killed by someone that was not born of a woman. Although this statement puzzles him at first, Macduff, the murderer of Macbeth, was born through a C-section because his mother perished during childbirth. The final phantom that appears is a crowned child holding a tree, which claims that Macbeth will not be defeated until “Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him” (62). This seems nearly impossible, but like all of the other prophecies it comes true when troops attacking Inverness use branches from Birnam Wood to conceal themselves while ascending the hill to the castle.

Through the usage of prophecies in the play, Shakespeare is able to both further the plot and provide the reader with a reason certain events occur. Although the work could be viewed as a morality play, as Macbeth does eventually get punished for his deeds, the story essentially revolves around supernatural forecasts. Macbeth is established as a play of prophecies through the inclusion of the