What is the purpose of the apparitions in the play 'Macbeth'?

The apparitions serve multiple purposes in Macbeth. In the first place, they show Macbeth's descent into madness. On a psychological level they are evidence of the stresses that Macbeth is feeling. They are the evidence of his feelings of guilt and uncertainty. read more

The apparitions serve multiple purposes in Macbeth. In the first place, they show Macbeth’s descent into madness. On a psychological level they are evidence of the stresses that Macbeth is feeling. They are the evidence of his feelings of guilt and uncertainty. read more

FIRST APPARITION (a disembodied head) Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff. Beware the thane of Fife. Dismiss me. Enough. oOo. SECOND APPARITION (a bloody child) Be bloody, bold, and resolute. Laugh to scorn. The power of man, for none of woman born. Shall harm Macbeth. oOo. THIRD APPARITION appears, in the form of a child with a crown on his head and a tree in his hand. read more