Act 4
Why is Lady Macduff angry with her husband at the start of this scene?
She feels he has abandoned them in danger, especially with Scotland under Macbeth’s rule. She believes his actions are selfish and cowardly, rather than heroic, and she worries that his absence makes them vulnerable to attack.
What does Caithness report about Macbeth?
Macbeth is a tyrant who is no longer truly supported by his people.
“a giant’s robe upon a dwarfish thief.”
What does the natural disorder (storms, darkness) symbolise?
Disruption to the natural world- the Great Chain of Being has been disrupted. Breakdown of moral and political order after Macbeth disrupts the natural hierarchy by killing King Duncan.
This cruel act ordered by Macbeth shocks the audience and shows his descent into tyranny. What is the event?
The murder of Macduff’s wife and children.
As Macbeth realizes forces are mounting to overthrow him, how does he comfort himself?
He comforts himself by relying on the witches’ prophecies.
“None of woman born shall harm Macbeth” - He thinks no man can kill him
He will be safe until Birnam Wood moves - Something he sees as impossible
This natural phenomenon moving toward Dunsinane ultimately fulfils a prophecy and signals Macbeth’s defeat.
Birnam Wood
Why does Malcolm pretend to be an unfit king when speaking with Macduff?
He wants to know if Macduff is truly loyal to Scotland or secretly working for Macbeth. When Macduff responds with honest despair for Scotland, Malcolm realises he can trust him.
This phrase is repeatedly spoken by Lady Macbeth as she tries to wash imaginary blood from her hands.
“Out, damned spot!”
This statement by the witches misleads Macbeth into believing he cannot be killed by any man.
“none of woman born shall harm Macbeth”
Why is the vision of Banquo’s descendants particularly disturbing to Macbeth, and what does it reveal about his fears for the future?
Macbeth is horrified because the vision confirms that his rule will end and Banquo’s family will succeed him, despite all his efforts.
Macbeth had Banquo murdered to prevent his lineage from taking the throne. The witches then show him a line of kings descended from Banquo, proving that he has failed to stop the prophecy.
What does the quote “a giant’s robe upon a dwarfish thief” refer to?
This metaphor is used by Caithness to describe Macbeth’s ill-fitting kingship.
In what ways does Shakespeare reflect Jacobean fears about witchcraft and the supernatural, and how would this influence the audience’s reaction to the witches?
Shakespeare reflects Jacobean fears by showing the witches as evil, deceptive, and linked to chaos, which would make audiences view them as dangerous influences on Macbeth and society.
How do the witches’ apparitions in Act 4 manipulate Macbeth’s understanding of fate, and why does he misinterpret their messages?
The apparitions trick Macbeth by giving half-truths that seem reassuring, and he misinterprets them because his ambition makes him overly confident and unable to see their hidden meanings.
What does the line “Out, out, brief candle” refer to?
This famous line describes life as meaningless after Lady Macbeth’s death.
What does Lady Macbeth say and do in Act 2 after Duncan’s murder, and how does this reveal her attitude towards guilt at this point in the play?
Lady Macbeth seems emotionally strong and untroubled by guilt, in contrast to Macbeth. However, this confidence is ironic, as later she becomes overwhelmed by guilt (sleepwalking scene).