Macbeth does not enter the scene until after the witches are done with their song (line 63), and then the scene becomes much more serious. Macbeth’s conversation with the witches on this occasion is in sharp contrast to the scene when Macbeth first encountered the witches (in Act I, Scene 3). Then he was afraid of them. But on this occasion, he shows no fear. In fact, he becomes demanding and domineering towards them. Evil and tyranny are a part of his personality now. He no longer has the good Christian sense to fear evil.
Macbeth recites a list of the evils that witches were known for committing: causing storms with strong winds that sink ships, destroying corn and other crops, blowing down trees, knocking down castles and churches, and so on. Renaissance audiences truly believed witches could do all of these things; and, so, witches were blamed for many of the problems that actually were the result of natural causes. Even King James I of England believed in this magical ability in witches. So, not surprisingly, Macbeth also notes that the witches can perform such powerful magic. Yet, despite this belief, Macbeth is demanding of the witches. His growth in evil also corresponds to a growth in his pride (pride is one of the Seven Deadly Sins). Macbeth believes he can order the witches to do as he pleases, and the witches pretend that they will obey him (line 77). The witches, after all, want to trick Macbeth. They want to fool him into taking action that will result in his downfall.
The witches call forth three ghosts (apparitions) to answer Macbeth’s questions. In fact, Macbeth does not even have to ask the questions. The ghosts can read his mind (line 85). The ghosts know that Macbeth wants to ask about his future and how he can keep his throne safe and secure. The prophecies both in Act I and in this scene come in threes. Three is a magical number in Western culture. The first ghost that appears is just a head in a helmet. The ghost would emerge from a trap door beneath the stage. The actor could have worn a black blanket to hide his body and could have hidden behind some object on the stage. Smoke also could have been sent up to hide the body of the actor. The symbolism of this first ghost is uncertain. Some critics suggest he symbolizes Macduff, and others suggest he symbolizes fate. But there are many other possibilities (such as Duncan or Macdonald). The symbolism is not crucial here to understanding the play. What is important here are the words of the first ghost: the first prophecy. The ghost tells Macbeth to “beware Macduff” (87). Like the first prophecy in Act I, this information Macbeth already knows. The first prophecy in both scenes, then, is told to Macbeth in order to obtain his trust and belief. Since he already knows the first prophecy is true, he will readily accept the next two.
The second ghost to rise up from the ground is a child, a young boy, covered in blood. Most critics tend to agree that this ghost symbolizes Macduff as an infant (this will be explained later). The second ghost tells Macbeth that he should not be afraid of any man because no one who is born from a woman can hurt Macbeth (96). Since all men are born from women, their mothers, the second prophecy appears to be stating that no man can hurt Macbeth. Macbeth believes this prophecy. He believes that no one can hurt him. He believes that no man will be able to wound or kill him. Macbeth thus will become completely fearless. And because he has no fear, he will act foolishly and recklessly in regards to his own safety. He will act in such a way that will bring about his ruin.
The third ghost to appear is also a child, a young boy, who is wearing a king’s crown on his head and is carrying a branch of a tree in his hand. Critics also tend to agree that this ghost symbolizes Malcolm and the branch that he is carrying
symbolizes Birnam Wood (also to be explained later). This ghost tells Macbeth that he will be safe and will never be defeated unless Birnam Wood (a forest) comes to his castle (line 109). For an entire forest with its hundreds of trees to move a long distance is, Macbeth knows, quite impossible. So, Macbeth believes that the third prophecy is basically telling him that he will never be defeated for as long as he lives. This third prophecy thus will also contribute to Macbeth acting foolishly in the future. Because he believes he is safe, he will not attempt to defend himself fully when he hears that his enemies are approaching.