Lady Macbeth Wears the Pants

The witches are a very integral part of the story as they influence the plot in almost every act of the play. They show Macbeth the three scenes in Scene 1 of the Fourth Act which makes Macbeth even more paranoid about the prophecy of him becoming king. The scene of the the child is symbolism for how immature Macbeth has become over this period of time since he heard the prophecy. Also, there is some foreshadowing within the scene as Macbeth is finally defeated by the opposing forces by chopping down the trees of Burnham Wood.

The quote that really encapsulates Act 4 is,

"I conjure you by which you profess/ (Howe'er you come to know it), answer me./ Though you untie the winds and let them fight/ Against the churches, though the yeasty waves/ Confound and swallow navigation up,/ Though bladed corn be lodged and trees blown/ down,/ Though castles topple on their warders' heads,/ Though palaces and pyramids do slope/ Their heads to their foundations, though the/ treasure/ Of nature's [germans] tumble [all together]/ Even till destruction sicken, answer me/ To what I ask you."

This quote demonstrates how Macbeth is fully entrenched in the idea that the prophecy will come true and he will try his hardest to make sure that his dynasty will carry on as long as he is still alive. This is the main psychological part of the novel as he does not know how to control his emotions and live a life of kindness.