“By the pricking of my

thumbs, Something wicked this

way comes.”

“Double, double, toil and trouble,

Fire burn and cauldron bubble.”

“My strange and self-abuse is the initiate fear that wants hard

use. We are yet but young in deed.”

“From this moment The very firstlings of my

heart shall be The firstlings of my hand.

And even now, To crown my thoughts with

acts, be it thought and done.”

• the witches’ brew

• limited power

“By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way

comes.”

• the witches’ brew

• limited power

• ingredients establish an atmosphere of horror and doom

• the intensity of Macbeth’s purpose

• He will be reassured.

• 3 prophecies

• 1st apparition: armed head

• “Beware Macduff.”

• 3 prophecies

• 2nd apparition: bloody child

• “None of woman born shall harm Macbeth.”

• 3rd apparition: crowned child

“Macbeth shall never vanquish’d be until Great Birnan wood shall

come to Dunsinane hill.”

• final apparition: eight kings led by Banquo

• Banquo’s line will reign perpetually.

• a flattery for King James I

“From this moment The very firstlings of my

heart shall be The firstlings of my hand.

And even now, To crown my thoughts with

acts, be it thought and done.”