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The Witches' Predictions
First Set of Predictions
Three Weird Sisters (witches) who make four predictions (Macbeth would be Thane of Glamis and Cawdor and eventually King; and that Banquo's sons would be kings).
The Second Set of Predictions : the three visions and what they signify
First vision: thunder - an armed head in its warlike helmet, alluding to Macduff - "Beware Macduff" which echoes Macbeth's own distrust of Macduff.
The second, ".. none of woman born shall harm Macbeth" so Macbeth discounts the danger from Macduff and t let him live but then decides to make doubly sure and to kill him. the bloodied child also alludes to Macduff and his abnormal birth
Third, a crowned child holding a tree, Macbeth feels a sense of freedom from his oppressive fears of rebellion and expects to live until he dies peacefully. alluding to the royal line of Banquo's descendants and also to the trees f Birnham Wood which later seem to come to Dunsinane.
One thing that he burns to know and that is shall Banquo's descendants ever reign in Scotland? The cauldron sinks out of sight and a procession of 8 kings is seen the last carrying a mirror, Banquo's ghost following them.
For further notes on this scene go to Rodger Burnich
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