Act 4 Macbeth Study Guide

Witch Two says “By the pricking of my thumb, Something wicked this way comes.” Who arrives? Macbeth Arrives
What is Macbeth’s attitude towards the witches this time? Macbeth’s attitude towards them is demanding.
What 4 things do the witches show Macbeth? What does each show/say? 1. a helmeted head covered in armor- this says beware of Macduff.2. Bloody Baby- This says no man born of a women will ever kill Macbeth3. Young children wearing a crown holding a tree- says until birnum wood moves five or six miles. He will never be defeated.4. Line of kings and the last one is Banquo holding a mirror- says that banquet lineage will be on the throne for several generations.
Explain the paradox of the apparitions Paradox is a contradiction, he isn’t happy he is constantly worried. Also he had to kill his best friend and the king. He thinks one thing is gonna happen then the other thing happens. He believes he is invincible.
Macbeth says (about the witches), “Infected be the air whereon they ride, And damned all those that trust them!” What is Macbeth, in effect, saying about himself? He is mad because he is trusting them.
Where is Macduff? Why isn’t he with his family? Macduff is in England. He is meeting with Malcolm and king. he is trying to get them to build an army. Then return to Scotland to reclaim the throne.
What attitudes emerge from Lady Macduff’s characterization? She is aggravated Macduff left them. He has left them unprotected. She doesn’t know if he is a traitor or trying to save Scotland.
Who is the messenger? Hecate
Why does Macbeth have Macduff’s family and servants killed? The first sign that he will do anything to anyone who gets in his way.
What dramatic elements emerge at the beginning of Scene 3? Macduff explains he has come for help to Scotland. Malcolm believes that Macduff is here on half of Macbeth. Macduff would have never left his family in such danger if he didn’t know Macbeth wouldn’t harm them.
Why does Malcolm test Macduff? Malcolm shows he is wise. Father taught him well.
What news does Ross bring to Macduff? His family has been killed.
What does Malcolm tell Macduff to do with his grief? Take it and use it as energy for revenge and destroy Macbeth
What does Malcolm resolve by the end of Act 4? Malcolm is returning to Scotland with an army provided by King James.
July 16, 2019