Macbeth Act 4 quiz
Macbeth Act 4 Study Guide
I. Vocabulary
Be able to define the following words and understand them in context:
Thrice – three times
Conjure – to summon up using supernatural power
Potent – powerful
Pernicious – destructive; hurtful
Laudable – praiseworthy
Redress – set right; correct
Hoodwink – trick; deceive
Avarice – greediness
Concord – harmony; peace; agreement
Integrity – honesty; possessing firm principles
II. Background Information
Lucifer – From Latin Luc (light) + fer (carry); leader of the rebellion of angels. Referred to as “brightest” in Macbeth.
III. Literary Terms
Motif – A recurring object, concept, or structure in a piece of literature.
Macbeth motifs: blood, visions, clothing metaphor, planting/weeding metaphor.
IV. Key Questions & Answers
Scene 1
What are the witches doing when they chant “Double, double toil and trouble”?
They are preparing a magical potion.What is the “something wicked” that “this way comes”?
Macbeth.What does the first apparition tell Macbeth?
Beware Macduff.What does the second apparition tell Macbeth?
No man born of a woman shall harm Macbeth.What does the third apparition tell Macbeth?
Macbeth shall not be vanquished until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill.What is the one more thing Macbeth wants to know?
If Banquo’s descendants will rule.What do the witches show Macbeth in response?
A line of Banquo’s descendants as kings.What does Macbeth decide to do to Macduff?
Have his family killed.
Scene 2
Why does Lady Macduff believe Macduff does not love her and their children?
Because he left them vulnerable.What does Lady Macduff tell her son about Macduff?
That he is a traitor.Why does Macduff’s son say liars and swearers are fools?
Because they outnumber honest men but still let themselves be hanged.What does the messenger tell Lady Macduff?
That she and her children are in danger.What happens at the end of the scene?
Lady Macduff and her son are murdered.
Scene 3
Why does Malcolm suspect Macduff’s motivation?
He fears Macduff might be working for Macbeth.What does Malcolm ask Macduff about his family?
Why he left them behind.What is the first reason Malcolm gives for being a worse king than Macbeth?
He claims to be excessively lustful.What does Macduff say in response?
He can find willing women for Malcolm.What is the second reason Malcolm gives?
He says he is greedy.How does Macduff react to Malcolm’s self-description?
He despairs for Scotland.What does Malcolm reveal about his statements?
He was testing Macduff’s loyalty.What does Malcolm say King Edward can do?
Heal people through touch.What news does Ross bring Macduff?
His family has been killed.What does Malcolm urge Macduff to do?
Turn his grief into revenge against Macbeth.
V. Act 4 Key Events Overview
Apparitions and Their Prophecies:
Armed Head → Beware Macduff.
Bloody Child → None of woman born shall harm Macbeth.
Crowned Child with a Tree → Macbeth won’t be vanquished until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane.
Line of Kings → Banquo’s descendants will rule.
Macduff’s Loyalty Test:
Malcolm falsely claims he would be a terrible king to test Macduff’s loyalty.
Macduff despairs, proving his true loyalty to Scotland.
Malcolm reveals he was lying and prepares to fight Macbeth.
The Massacre at Macduff’s Castle:
Lady Macduff and her children are brutally killed by Macbeth’s orders.
Demonstrates Macbeth’s increasing cruelty and paranoia.
Macduff’s Revenge:
Ross tells Macduff about his family’s murder.
Macduff vows to kill Macbeth.
Malcolm rallies the English army to overthrow Macbeth.
VI. Important Quotes & Meanings
“By the pricking of my thumb, Something wicked this way comes.”
The witches sense Macbeth’s arrival and now see him as evil.
“Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell.”
Even good things can be deceptive (reference to Lucifer).
“Oh, Scotland, Scotland!”
Macduff mourns for his country under Macbeth’s rule.
VII. Final Thoughts
Macbeth grows more tyrannical and paranoid.
The witches manipulate Macbeth by giving him misleading assurances.
Macduff becomes a key figure in Macbeth’s downfall.
