Macbeth Act IV Review

Witch 2 says, “By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes.” Who arrives? Macbeth
What is Macbeth’s attitude towards the witches this time? He is very brave & blunt; forceful/demanding
What is the first vision that the witches show Macbeth? An armored head (symbol of Macduff): “Beware Macduff.”
What is the second vision that the witches show Macbeth? A bloody child (symbol of Macduff at birth) “No man born of women shall harm Macbeth.”
What is the third vision that the witches show Macbeth? A child crowned with a tree in his hand (symbol of Malcolm): “You will never lose until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Hill”.
When Macbeth asks about Banquo, what is the final vision that the witches show him? A show of 8 Kings & Banquo, with the last king carrying a mirror, indicating that they are all Banquo’s descendants.
Where is Macduff? Why isn’t he with his family? He is in England. He is visiting Malcolm to convince him to come back.
What is Lady Macduff’s attitude at the moment about her husband? Lady Macduff is furious at her husband’s abandonment-she calls him a traitor and a coward. She tells her son it is left up to the mother to protect her young now, and that his father is dead.
Why does Macbeth have Macduff’s family and servants killed? Macduff is not loyal to Macbeth, and Macbeth is angry.
Why is Malcolm in England? Malcolm flees to England because after his father, King Duncan, is murdered, he is afraid that he’s next. He wants to get out of where he lives to be safe.
Why does Macduff travel to England? Macduff travels to England because he does not agree with Macbeth’s rule/leadership. He looks for supporters to help to overthrow him and get a new leader.
Why does Malcolm test Macduff? Malcolm tests Macduff because he’s afraid that Macbeth sent Macduff to get Malcolm and trick him to return home. He wants to assure that Macduff is actually truthful in saying that he doesn’t like Macbeth. After all, they all were very fond of him before he came king.
What news does Ross bring to Macduff? Ross brings news of Macduff’s family’s murders
What does Malcolm tell Macduff to do with his grief? Malcolm tells Macduff to turn his grief into anger. This is just after Ross comes into the scene, and informs Macduff that Macbeth has just murdered his wife and son.
What does Malcolm resolve to do by the end of Act 4? Malcolm decides that he will go and overthrow Macbeth.