What did the number three represent in 'Macbeth'?

Answer 1

The number three represented evil in the Shakespearean play 'Macbeth'. For example, there were three witches, who weren't good witches. The three witches had three greetingsand three predictions each for Banquo and Macbeth. They had three more predictions with Macbeth's second visit with them. All of the information from two interactions with the witches helped push the brave Macbeth ever more towards his dark side of ambition and manipulability. Macbeth went on to kill directly, or to be directly responsible for killing, three specific times. The first was the murder of his own sovereign, King Duncan I [d. August 14, 1040]. The second and third were the hired killings of his best friend and fellow Captain Banquo, and of his colleague Macduff's entire family and household.

Answer 2

In 'Macbeth,' the number three is associated with repetition and superstition. It is symbolized through the recurring appearance of the witches, who make prophecies in sets of three and use the phrase "All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! All hail, Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! All hail, Macbeth, thou shalt be king hereafter!"

Additionally, three murders are mentioned in Macbeth's visions: Banquo's ghost, Duncan's murder, and Lady Macduff's murder. The number three is significant as it represents a pattern of chaos and destruction.