The Dagger: The dagger apparition symbolizes Macbeth's ambition and his drive for power. This apparition appears shortly after Macbeth begins considering killing King Duncan, signifying his temptation and corruption by the thought of becoming king.
The Bloody Child: The bloody child represents Macbeth's guilt and the burden he carries after committing the murder of King Duncan. This apparition appears after the murder, highlighting the psychological toll that Macbeth's actions are taking on him.
The Crowned Child holding a tree: The crowned child symbolizes the threat to Macbeth's kingship. It predicts that Banquo's descendants will become kings, which worries Macbeth as he fears losing power and facing retribution for his crimes.
The Child with a crown, a bloody child, and a child holding a tree: These apparitions reaffirm the prophecies that Macbeth received from the witches. The child with the crown represents Malcolm's eventual ascension to the throne, the bloody child symbolizes the guilt Macbeth carries, and the child with the tree signifies the protection that surrounds Macduff.
The Eight Kings and Banquo: The final apparition shows Macbeth a procession of eight kings, the last being Banquo with a mirror reflecting many more kings. This vision reveals the consequences of Macbeth's actions, as he sees the line of Banquo's descendants, who will rightfully rule Scotland, while his own line will end with him.
Overall, the apparitions serve as visual manifestations of Macbeth's inner struggles, his descent into darkness, and the consequences of his actions. They add a supernatural element to the play and contribute to its exploration of the themes of guilt, ambition, and fate.