Macbeth - Act 4

Why does Macbeth go see the witches?

Macbeth wants to know more about the prophecies.

Why do the witches throw incredible disgusting ingredients into a cauldron?

To make apparitions to tell Macbeth his destiny

"Have now, you secret, black, and midnight hags! What is it you do?" What does Macbeth's greeting say about him?

He has changed drastically since they were last together

What should a leader's first consideration be?

His country

What is the message of the first apparition?

Beware Macduff. Beware the thane of Fife.

What is the message of the second apparition?

For none of woman born shall harm Macbeth

How does Macbeth react to the second prediction?

His confidence level soars

What is the message of the third apparition?

Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him

Why is Macbeth pleased with the third prophecy?

He believes he will be king his entire life.

What does Macbeth learn from the appearance of the kings and Banquo?

That even though Banquo is dead, his descendants will continue to be kings for generations.

What should Macbeth learn from the prophecies, but apparently he doesn't?

To fear for his life in the future.

What does Macbeth's decision about attacking Macduff's castle tell us about his continuing moral decline?

He is not killing for political gain or to silence a enemy.

In what way is killing Macduff's family worse than his other murders?

Macbeth is killing simply out of a furious desire to do harm.

What argument does Lady Macduff make against her husband's flight?

He is unwise to leave his family in a place so unsafe.

What is the temperment of Scotland and its people?

The "poor country" is full of pain. No one is happy, they are all miserable

Why might Shakespeare have included the scene between little Macduff and his mother?

To show how innocent Macduff's family is.

What can we judge of Lady Macduff's character?

She is caring and protective of her family.

What concern does Malcolm voice about Macduff when they meet again?

Malcolm doesn't know if he can trust Macduff.

Why does the fact that Macduff left his family unprotected in Scotland give Malcolm doubts?

It gives him doubts about trusting him as well.

Why does Malcolm pretend to have all of Macbeth's bad characteristics and more?

To test Macduff

What convinces Malcolm that Macduff is trustworthy?

Macduff made it clear that he would never support an evil king.

What is Malcolm's good news for Macduff and all of Scotland?

People are joining to go against Macbeth.

Why is Ross reluctant to share the news of Macduff's family?

He didn't want to bring Macduff the bad news.

Who does Macduff blame for his family's murder?

Himself

How does Malcolm encourage Macduff to deal with his grief?

Like a man. He needs to bottle up his anger and save it for Macbeth.

Based on Macduff's reaction to the vicious murder of his family, how would you describe his character?

He loved his family and would have done anything to protect them.

Compare Lady Macduff to Lady Macbeth

Lady Macduff was not ambitious enough to kill, as was Lady Macbeth.

What is Macbeth's question after seeing the three apparitions?

Will Banquo's sons ever be king?

What do the witches show Macbeth when he asks if Banquo's sons will ever be king?

Eight kings with Banquo at the end

How did Macbeth feel after seeing the apparitions and visions?

Confident, Worried about Macduff and losing the throne

The general effect Macbeth had after seeing the three apparitions is what?

Encouragement

What does Lady Macduff believe when she calls her husband a "traitor"?

Macduff betrayed his family.

What is the tone when Lady Maduff responds to her son's questions?

Gentle Sadness

What belief does Lady Macduff express?

Bad things happen to good people.

Who does Macduff express rage toward when he finds out his family has been murdered?

Himself, Heaven, Macbeth

Who says, "Double, double toil and trouble"?

The three witches

What does the mirror that the 8th king carries?

Banquo's heirs will rule Scotland for years

Malcolm lies to see if Macduff is loyal to Scotland. What three things does he lie about?

Lust, Greed, and Violence

When was Malcolm's first lie?

When Malcolm tried to trick Macduff.

What is the first apparition?

A armored head

What is the second apparition?

A bloody child

What is the third apparition?

A crowned child holding a branch