Macbeth Act 4

Witch 2 says, “By the pricking of my thumb, Something wicked this way comes.”Who comes? Macbeth
What is Macbeth’s attitude towards the witches this time? He is demanding trying to take charge
What four things did the witches show Macbeth? An armed head, a bloody child, a crowned child with a tree in its hand and eight kings followed by Banquo’s ghost.
What did the witches prophesize based on the four things shown to Macbeth? 1. Beware of Macduff 2. You will not be harmed by anyone “born of a women.” 3. You will not be vanquished until Birnam Wood comes to Duninsane. 4. Banquo’s descendants will be kings.
Macbeth says (about the witches) “Infected be the air wereon they ride. And damned all those that trust them!” What is Macbeth really saying about himself? He is damned.
Where is Macduff? He is in England helping Malcolm.
Why does Macbeth have Macduff’s family and servants killed? Macduff is not loyal to Macbeth, and Macbeth is angry.
Why does Lady Macduff’s son say, “Liars and swearers are fools”? He implies that since there are more of them than honest people, they should get together and hang the honest folks. They are foolish to leave themselves in jeopardy when they could overcome the honest people.
Malcolm says, “Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell. Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace, Yet grace must still look so.” What does this mean? The devil was of course at one time the brightest angel. The point is that things aren’t what they seem. One cannot judge a book by it’s cover.
Macduff says, “Oh Scotland, Scotland!” Why? Malcolm has just told him what a horrid king he (Malcolm) would be if he were on the throne instead of Macbeth. Given the choice, then, between Macbeth and Malcolm, he gravely fears for his country.
What news does Ross bring to Macduff? Ross brings news of Macduff’s family’s murders.