Foreshadowing gives the audience a hint of what is to come without completely giving away the event.
In Macbeth, one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays, this is often used throughout the play. Early in the play we get one example, which I believe it to be the most important in the story, it tells of the tragedies that are forthcoming. In the first act we are introduced to the three prophecies given to Macbeth by the three witches. These prophecies are revealed to have a deeper meaning as the story unfolds. The three prophecies brought upon Macbeth by the three witches, are what foretell the rise and fall of the great Macbeth. In the first prophecy we see one of the witches call out to Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor ” All Hail Macbeth! Hail to thee,Thane of Cawdor” (Act 1 Scene 3).
An event that will become a reality short after. This event is important in the story because I believe this is what awakens that ambition for more, for power, in Macbeth. Macbeth had been very loyal to King Duncan, King of Scotland, he had even been branded as a hero, which is why he was awarded the new title as Thane of Cawdor. Regardless of his new title and the praise by the King, Macbeth had just opened a box of no return, his ambition would consume his loyalty and he would come for more. In the second prophecy we see another witch prophesize that Macbeth will be King, “All Hail Macbeth! That shalt be king hereafter” (Act 1 Scene 3). Macbeth had reluctantly seen the first prophecy come to fruition, and with the ambition growing within him what was there to stop him from becoming king. However there would a roadblock in his quest to becoming king.
King Duncan would announce that his son, Malcolm, would be the heir to the throne. Macbeth writes a story to his wife, Lady Macbeth, in which he describes the encounter he had with the three witches and the prophecy of one day becoming king himself. Engulfed in the ambition that they both shared Macbeth and Lady Macbeth come up with a plot to murder King Duncan. Macbeth although hesitant at first goes thru with the plan.
Malcolm and his brother flee Scotland in fear of having the same fate. Macbeth sees the second prophecy come true and becomes the new King of Scotland. We come to the third and final prophecy.
However this final prophecy is not for Macbeth, instead we see it is foretold to his ally and close friend Banquo. The third witch reveals to Banquo that he shall have kings in the family but he himself will never be King. “Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none” (Act1 Scene 3). Even though this prophecy is foretold to Banquo and not Macbeth, I believe it is important because I find it to be one of the reasons behind Macbeths demise.
Macbeth realizing that the other two prophecies had become a reality, he begins to worry about the final prophecy and begins to distrust Banquo to the point where he sends out for their execution. Macduff, a thane of Scotland, begins to suspect Macbeth of regicide and leaves to England where he finds Malcolm. They both return to battle Macbeth and his tyrannical ways, by this time Macbeth has lost it and is eventually killed by Macduff, returning the throne to its rightful heir Malcolm “Hail, King! for so thou art” (Act 1 Scene 9).
The prophecies in this play revealed to have a deeper meaning as the story unfolded. They foreshadowed many of the events that took place in the story. Most importantly I believe they served to show how ones ambition can sometimes consume you and ultimately be your own demise. Macbeth a story of ambition and tragedy.
