What are the three apparitions that appear to Macbeth?

Answer 1

There are only three apparitions in Macbeth.

1. A helmeted head. He is just a head with armor on, he tells Macbeth that he is supposed to "beware Macduff."

2. A bloody child. This is meant to symbolize Macduff as a just-born infant. This apparition tells Macbeth that he only needs to fear those who are not of woman born. Meaning those who are not born naturally from a woman.

3. A crowned child with a tree branch. Again this is meant to symbolize Macduff. This apparition tells Macbeth that he doesn't need to worry until the forest at the bottom of the hill that his castle is on begins to move up the hill.

Answer 2

The armed head tells Macbeth to beware of Macduff. The armour represents the fact that Macduff is a warrior and will defeat Macbeth in war.

The bloody child tells Macbeth that he cannot be defeated by one of woman born. The fact that the child is bloody is a hint that a child born by Caesarian section, a much bloodier method of birth than the standard one, would be an exception to this rule.

The crowned child carrying a tree in its hand tells Macbeth that he will not be defeated until Birnam wood comes to Dunsinane. The crowned child represents Malcolm, the Prince of Cumberland. He carries a tree in his hand, a hint as to how a forest could move, by being carried by soldiers.

Answer 3

The only thing that disturbs Macbeth is the image of Banquo's decendents becoming kings.

Answer 4

First was an armed head, the second a bloody child, and the third is a child wearing a crown and holding a tree.