Number Three in Macbeth's Apparition

William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, is packed with supernatural stuff that shakes up the whole story. Among these eerie elements are three apparitions that appear to Macbeth, each giving him a weird message that pushes his hunger for power and doom. In this essay, let's dive into what the third apparition means for Macbeth. We'll check out its context, its symbolism, and how it messes with Macbeth's head, to really get why it's such a big deal.

Context of the Third Apparition

To get why the third apparition matters, we gotta look at when it shows up. The witches summon this one to give Macbeth some false hope, tricking him into thinking he's unbeatable by anyone alive. This ghostly vision is a crowned kid holding a tree, telling him: "Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him" (IV.i.92-94). Sounds nuts right? A forest moving? But hey, it makes Macbeth feel like he can keep ruling without worry. Of course, we find out later there's a twist in this prophecy that leads to his downfall.

Symbolism in the Third Apparition

The symbols in the third apparition add layers to its meaning. The crowned child? That's Macduff—born by C-section—which fits with another spooky prediction: "beware Macduff" (IV.i.71). The crown stands for royalty and power, hinting that Macbeth's time as king will end when Macduff becomes a threat. And that tree? It’s Birnam Wood itself! It stands for nature throwing a wrench into human plans. Moving forests seem impossible but foreshadows how soldiers use branches as cover approaching Dunsinane Hill.

Together, these symbols show how tricky the apparition’s message is and highlight themes of fate versus free will in Macbeth. Poor Macbeth thinks this means he’s untouchable, not realizing it actually spells out his own doom.

Impact on Macbeth

The third apparition hits Macbeth hard, messing with his mind and actions. At first, it pumps him up and makes him want to hang onto power no matter what comes his way. He gets more reckless and ruthless 'cause he thinks he's invincible.

But as things unfold, Macbeth finds out the hard way just how wrong he was about that prophecy. When he sees soldiers using branches from Birnam Wood as camo gear against him—it clicks. This revelation shatters his confidence and throws him into despair.

This turning point shows us what blind ambition does to people when they let supernatural forces pull their strings—his tragic flaw becomes clear: an unyielding lust for power leading straight down a path of destruction.

Conclusion

The third apparition has got such an important role in shaping both themes within this play AND who exactly our protagonist becomes throughout all those crazy events unfolding around them! Its sneaky messages weave together ideas about fate versus free will while exposing dangerous consequences behind unchecked ambition itself...

This scene warns us about giving into dark desires without caring for moral lines crossed along our journeys forward; ultimately showing why Shakespeare wrote timeless classics still relatable today across human experiences everywhere.

Bibliography

• Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Folger Shakespeare Library, 2011.
• Kastan, David Scott. "A Will to Believe: Shakespeare and Religion." Oxford University Press USA - OSO, 2014.
• Barker, Deborah E., Hulme Peter C., et al., editors."The Edinburgh Companion To Shakespeare And The Arts". Edinburgh University Press Ltd., 2010
• Schoenbaum Samuel 'William Shakespeare: A Compact Documentary Life'. Clarendon Press; Revised ed edition (1977)
• Lamb Mary Ellen & Wayne Valerie'. 'Staging Early Modern Romance: Prose Fiction Drama Syllabuses.' Routledge; 1st Edition (2008).