What is the purpose of Act 4?
- Beginning to show the actions against the King.
What happens in Act 4, Scene 1?
- Witches create a powerful spell for Macbeth.
- Macbeth orders them to give him information.
- The prophecies speak to Macbeth: Beware Macduff, Cannot be harmed by one born of woman, Secure until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill.
- Vision of Banquo with eight Kings behind him.
- Lenox informs Macbeth that Macduff has fled to England.
- Macbeth plans to kill Macduff’s family.
How is it shown in Act 4 Scene 1, that Macbeth is like one of the witches now?
- Described as “something wicked.” –> not even a person…
- Involving himself in the potions
How are the appirations seen as more powerful than Macbeth?
- Appirations cut off Macbeth when he tries to speak.
What happens in Act 4, Scene 2?
- Ross tells Lady Macduff and her son that Macduff has fled to England.
- LM blames M for not being there with her, describing him to be a traitor of the family.
- Messenger warns of danger
- Murderers enter kill Macduff’s son and then kill Lady Macduff…
Why do the murderers kill Macduff’s son first?
- He might be the threat to the throne
- He is easier to Kill
- Make Lady Macduff suffer
Why does Shakespeare make the murder of LM and M’s son very savage?
- To evoke our sympathy for these characters.
- Dislike Macbeth even more
What is the siginificance of Lady Macduff not being murdered on stage?
- Prolongs the sense of suspense as she runs off the stage.
- His reign has creates unease for everybody, even the audience not knowing whether Lady Macduff has died.
What happens in Act 4, Scene 3?
- Malcom is suspicious of Macduff and tests him, saying that he is worse than Macbeth.
- Macduff’s lament for Scotland causes Malcom to believe him and he tells Macduff about the English support for invasion.
- Ross informs Macduff that his family have been murdered
- Macduff vouches that he will kill Macbeth.
What is important about Malcom saying all the things that make a bad King?
Think historical context…..
- Shakespeare showing that a good king doesn’t involve himself in those actions.
- Showing to the audience what makes a good and bad king.
Give a quote from Act 4, Scene 3 that Malcom says to encourage Macduff to kill Macbeth.
“Let grief convert to anger.”
Act 4 Scene 3
How does Malcom respond to Macduff’s lament for Scotland after her speaks about his vices?
- “Macduff this noble passion, thy good truth and honour.”
- Massive contrast between him and Macbeth….
What does Macbeth do to the witches when they leave him without any more information?
- He curses the witches.
