Character Actions
Who does Macbeth visit in Act 4 to seek out information about his future?
The witches
Who says, “By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes”?
The second witch
What do the witches show Macbeth when he seeks answers in Act 4?
A series of visions (including a line of kings)
What is the first prophecy given to Macbeth by the witches?
He will become Thane of Cawdor.
Which theme is evident when Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff’s family?
The theme of tyranny and the consequences of Macbeth's ambition
Who is murdered by Macbeth’s assassins in Act 4?
Lady Macduff and her children
Who says, “From this moment the very firstlings of my heart shall be the firstlings of my hand”?
Macbeth
What happens to Macduff’s family in Act 4?
They are murdered by Macbeth’s order.
What do the apparitions warn Macbeth about?
Beware of Macduff, no one born of a woman will harm him, and he will not be vanquished until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hil
How is the theme of “appearance vs. reality” seen in Act 4?
The witches’ prophecies mislead Macbeth by appearing to promise him invincibility
What does Malcolm say to test Macduff's loyalty in Act 4?
He pretends to be a worse tyrant than Macbeth
Who says, “He has no children. All my pretty ones? Did you say all? O hell-kite! All?"
Macduff
What does Malcolm reveal about himself to Macduff in Act 4?
That he is not fit to rule Scotland and is testing Macduff’s loyalty
How does the second apparition mislead Macbeth?
It tells him no one born of a woman will harm him, which leads him to believe he is invincible
How does Act 4 demonstrate the consequences of unchecked ambition
Macbeth’s ruthless actions (murdering Macduff’s family) are driven by his desire to secure his throne, ultimately leading to his downfall
What does Macbeth decide to do after hearing that Macduff has fled to England
He decides to attack Macduff’s castle and kill his family
Who says, “Out, damned spot! Out, I say!”
Lady Macbeth
What is Macbeth’s response to the news that he will be defeated?
He resolves to fight to the end and will not yield
What is the significance of the line of kings shown to Macbeth in the final vision?
It shows that Banquo’s descendants will rule Scotland, not Macbeth’s.
How does Act 4 explore family and loyalty?
Macduff’s loyalty to Scotland is tested, and his family’s murder shows the tragic cost of Macbeth’s rule
Macbeth’s paranoia leads him to take this drastic action against Macduff's family
ordering the murder of Lady Macduff and her children
This quote expresses Macbeth's feelings of hopelessness and despair as he reflects on the futility of life
"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player..."
This key event foreshadows Macbeth’s downfall, as the witches reveal this piece of information that makes him feel invincible
the prophecy that no man born of a woman can harm him
The witches show Macbeth a vision of this object, symbolizing the future destruction of his reign?
Birnam Wood moving to Dunsinane
This recurring motif in Macbeth symbolizes the loss of innocence and the corrupting power of unchecked ambition
darkness