Macbeth Act 4 Study Guide

The beginning of Act 4 Scene 1 provides…

comedic relief

What do the witches cool the cauldron with?

baboon’s blood

In the quote: “By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes” is talking about who. What character quality is noted about them?

Macbeth; he is evil

According to Macbeth, what horrible events are happening to the earth?

famine, strong winds, yesty waves, etc.

Who is the First Apparition?

an Armed Head

What does the First Apparition say?

Beware of Macduff/Thane of Fife

Who is the Second Apparition?

a Bloody Child

What does the Second Apparition say? What does it mean?

“for none of woman born shall harm Macbeth” Those born from a woman will not harm Macbeth.

What is Macbeth’s reaction to the Second Apparition’s words?

He feels relief and says there’s no need to be afraid of Macduff. Macbeth, however, decides to continue his plan to kill Macduff anyway for reassurance.

Who is the Third Apparition?

a Child Crowned with a tree in his hand

What does the Third Apparition say? What does it mean?

“Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him.” Nothing will happen to Macbeth until the forest moves up the hill

When Macbeth says, “Deny me this, and an eternal curse fall on you,” to the witches, what literary device is apparent?

irony

When Macbeth demanded the witches to tell him if Banquo is still in the way of reigning, what do the witches show him?

a collection of eight kings

What does the eighth king have in his hand?

a looking glass/crystal ball that shows a greater lineage of kings

Who else is shown with the kings?

Banquo

\-?- told Macbeth that -?- has fled to England

Lennox, Macduff

Who is the current King of England?

King Edward

When Macbeth says, “The very firstlings of my heart shall be the firstlings of my hand,” what does he mean?

He acts without thinking

What does Macbeth plan on doing at the castle of Macduff?

He plans on killing everyone in the castle, including his wife and children.

Who tries to comfort Lady Macduff?

Ross

How does Lady Macduff feel about Macduff’s disappearance?

She is angry that he left with no explanation. Deep down inside she knows that Macduff isn’t a traitor.

What happens between the wren and the owl?

The wren fights the owl in order to protect her young ones.

In order to protect Lady Macduff, Ross…

doesn’t tell her anything

What does Lady Macduff say about traitors?

traitors are those who swear and lie and must be hung by honest men

What does the Son say about traitors?

He says that liars and swearers are fools because they should be able to defeat the honest men since there are more of them

When Lady Macduff says, “I have done no harm. But I remember now I am in this earthly world, where to do harm is often laudable, to do good sometime accounted dangerous folly,” what theme is included?

nothing is as it seems

What literary device is included in the following quote? “What, you egg! Young fry of treachery!”

pun

Why does Macduff travel to England?

in order to try to convince Malcolm to join him to invade Scotland

What does Malcolm do to Macduff?

He tests him on his loyalty and honesty.

Lady Macduff and the Son…

dies from the murderers hired by Macbeth

Who does Malcolm talk about when he says “tyrant, whose name blisters our tongues, was once thought honest?”

Macbeth

What does Malcolm say will happen to Scotland if he kills Macbeth?

Scotland will be in worse shape if he kills Macbeth

What does Malcolm lie to Macduff about?

Malcolm basically lies that he is a womanizer, greedy, and violent?

What are the qualities Malcolm says he “doesn’t” have?

graces, justice, verity, temperance, stableness, bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, devotion, patience, courage, fortitude

What does Macduff say about the queen?

“Oft’ner upon her knees than on her feet” (praying)

Through the quote “Devilish Macbeth by many of these trains hath sought to win me into his power,” said by Malcolm, what does it imply?

Macbeth has done evil things multiple times before

What does Malcolm admit to Macduff?

he has been lying this entire time to test Macduff

What has Malcolm prepared to fight Macbeth?

Old Siward and ten-thousand men

What properties does the King of England have?

able to cure/heal people along with a golden stamp (coin) and have a “heavenly gift of prophecy” (blessed by the heavens)

Who lies to Macduff about the well-being of his wife and son?

Ross

What literary language is included in the following quote? “No, they were well at peace when I did leave ‘em.”

irony

For the death of his family, Macduff…

blames himself “Sinful Macduff, they were all struck for thee!”

What does Macduff vow to do?

kill Macbeth