Read the excerpt from act 4, scene 1 of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Macbeth goes to the witches to ask them about his future. They call up an apparition, or ghost, who tells Macbeth to beware of Macduff. They then call up a second apparition, who also speaks to Macbeth.
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Second Apparition. Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn
The power of man, for none of woman born
Shall harm Macbeth.
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[Second Apparition descends.]
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Macbeth. Then live, Macduff: what need I fear of thee?
But yet I’ll make assurance double sure,
And take a bond of fate: thou shalt not live;
That I may tell pale-hearted fear it lies,
And sleep in spite of thunder.
Shakespeare develops the universal theme "the abuse of power” in this excerpt through
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Macbeth’s realization that he has nothing to fear.
Macbeth’s decision to kill Macduff for reassurance.
the Second Apparition’s description of Macbeth’s manner.
the Second Apparition’s statement that no one can hurt Macbeth.