In William Shakespeare's tragedy 'Macbeth', what three predictions do the Weird Sisters (witches) deliver to Macbeth upon the heath at the beginning of the play?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. That he will be Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and King hereafter

  1. Step 1: The encounter in Act I, Scene 3 ignites the tragic ambition of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to seize the Scottish crown.
  2. Step 2: The three witches hail Macbeth with three successive titles: his current title (Thane of Glamis), his imminent reward from King Duncan (Thane of Cawdor), and his ultimate prophecy ("All hail, Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!").
Answer
That he will be Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and King hereafter
Why not the others: 'That he will defeat Duncan, rule for thirty years, and father a line of kings' The witches prophesy that Banquo's descendants, not Macbeth's, will be a line of future kings; 'That he will conquer England, lose his sanity, and be betrayed by Macduff' These plot points develop later through apparitions, not the initial three titles announced on the heath; 'That he will perish by poison, lose Lady Macbeth, and burn Inverness Castle' Macbeth is ultimately slain in single combat by Macduff, who was born via Caesarean section.

Practise more World Literature and Renowned Authors.

Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed General Knowledge mock tests.

All World Literature and Renowned Authors questionsTake a mock test

More World Literature and Renowned Authors questions