- The witches' prophecies: The witches' prophecies play a significant role in foreshadowing Macbeth's rise and fall. When Macbeth meets the witches, they greet him as "Thane of Cawdor" and "King hereafter," planting the seeds of ambition in his mind. This foreshadows his eventual betrayal and murder of King Duncan in his pursuit of power.
- "Stars, hide your fires" (Act 1, Scene 4): When Duncan announces his plan to stay at Macbeth's castle, Macbeth is shaken and utters the line, "Stars, hide your fires; / Let not light see my black and deep desires." This line hints at the darkness and sinister intentions that Macbeth harbors within him, foreshadowing his future crimes.
- "He's here in double trust" (Act 1, Scene 7): After deciding to murder Duncan, Macbeth expresses his unease about killing a guest who is under his protection. He says, "He's here in double trust: / First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, / Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, / Who should against his murderer shut the door, / Not bear the knife myself." This internal struggle foreshadows Macbeth's guilt and moral conflict after committing the murder.
- "Is this a dagger I see before me" (Act 2, Scene 1): Before murdering Duncan, Macbeth experiences a hallucination in which he sees a floating dagger leading him towards Duncan's chamber. This vision foreshadows the crime he is about to commit and hints at the psychological turmoil he will face afterward.
- The ghost of Banquo (Act 3, Scene 4): After murdering Banquo, Macbeth becomes haunted by his ghost. The appearance of Banquo's ghost at a feast foreshadows Macbeth's descent into madness and further illustrates the consequences of his actions.
These instances of foreshadowing not only create suspense and build anticipation but also add depth to Macbeth's character, showcasing his inner conflicts and the tragic path that lies ahead of him.