Act 1, Scene 4 — Malcolm Named Heir

Setting of Act 1 Scene 4

Duncan's palace at Forres

How did the Thane of Cawdor die

He was executed, but confessed and died with dignity

"Nothing in his life became him like the leaving it"

Malcolm describing Cawdor's noble death

"There's no art to find the mind's construction in the face"

Duncan admitting you cannot read a traitor's thoughts from their appearance — dramatic irony

Why is Duncan's line about faces ironic

He says it just as the next traitor, Macbeth, walks in

Duncan's treatment of Macbeth

He praises and thanks him warmly, calling him "worthiest cousin"

Prince of Cumberland

The title given to the heir to the Scottish throne

Who is named Prince of Cumberland

Malcolm, Duncan's eldest son

Why is this announcement a problem for Macbeth

It blocks his path to the throne

"That is a step on which I must fall down, or else o'erleap"

Macbeth realizing he must overcome Malcolm to become king

"Stars, hide your fires; let not light see my black and deep desires"

Macbeth asking darkness to conceal his murderous ambition

Light and dark imagery

Light represents goodness and truth; darkness hides evil deeds

Where does Duncan plan to go next

To Inverness, Macbeth's castle

Why does Duncan's visit matter

It gives Macbeth the opportunity to commit murder

Duncan's character flaw

He trusts too easily and cannot judge people accurately

Macbeth's state by the end of Scene 4

Openly ambitious and beginning to plan Duncan's death