Overview
This lecture covers Act 4, Scene 1 of Macbeth, focusing on the witches' apparitions, their prophecies, and Macbeth's interpretations and reactions.
The Witches’ Scene
- The witches gather to brew a potion in a cauldron.
- Hecate arrives, praising the witches for their efforts.
- Macbeth enters, seeking knowledge of his future.
The Three Apparitions
- The first apparition, a helmeted head, warns Macbeth to beware of Macduff.
- The second apparition, a bloodied child, claims no one born of a woman will harm Macbeth.
- The third apparition, a crowned child holding a tree, says Macbeth will be safe until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill.
- Macbeth interprets the prophecies as reassuring but still decides to kill Macduff.
The Vision of Banquo’s Line
- Macbeth demands more information after the apparitions.
- A procession of eight kings and Banquo's ghost appear, hinting Banquo’s descendants will be kings.
- The final king holds a mirror, showing Banquo’s royal lineage stretching into infinity.
- Macbeth is disturbed by this vision.
Macbeth’s Reactions and Decisions
- The witches play music and vanish to distract Macbeth.
- Lennox brings news that Macduff is in England.
- Macbeth plans to attack Macduff’s castle and murder his family and servants.
- Macbeth gains overconfidence from the prophecies, ignoring their ambiguity.
- He focuses on immediate violent action driven by emotion and arrogance.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Apparition — A ghostly figure appearing to give Macbeth prophetic messages.
- Hecate — The goddess of witchcraft who leads the witches.
- Birnam Wood — A forest near Dunsinane, mentioned in the prophecy.
- Dunsinane Hill — Macbeth’s castle, also referenced in the prophecy.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Act 4, Scene 1 in the text for direct quotes and details.
- Reflect on how Macbeth’s interpretation of the prophecies showcases his character flaws.
- Prepare to discuss the significance of Banquo’s descendants in the next class.