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In Macbeth, which prophecy in act 4 seems most immediately dangerous?
Quick answer:
The prophecy in Act 4 that seems most immediately dangerous to Macbeth is the first one, which warns him to "beware Macduff." This prophecy is delivered by an apparition of an armored head and directly foreshadows Macduff's role in Macbeth's downfall. Unlike the other prophecies that offer false hope, this warning is fulfilled when Macduff leads an army against Macbeth and ultimately kills him in battle.
Of the three new prophecies presented to Macbeth in act 4, scene 1, by the Three Witches, the first prophecy warning Macbeth about Macduff is by far the most threatening and dangerous prophecy. When the witches summon an apparition of an armored head, the apparition tells Macbeth,
"Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff. Beware the thane of Fife. Dismiss me. Enough" (Shakespeare, 4.1.73-74).
The apparition's prophecy warning Macbeth about Macduff will come true when Macbeth meets the vengeful, dangerous thane in the final battle. Towards the end of the play, Macduff leads Malcolm's army to Dunsinane Hill, where he ends up decapitating Macbeth after he reveals that he has been "untimely ripped" from his mother's womb. The second and third prophecies deceive Macbeth and give him false hope. Macbeth feels confident after listening to the second apparition tell him to "scorn the power of man" because no man born of a woman will ever harm him. Macbeth also feels untouchable after he receives the third prophecy informing him that he will not be defeated, until Birnam Wood marches to fight him at Dunsinane Hill.
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