Act 4
What news does Ross bring MacDuff?
Macbeth sent people to kill his wife and children.
Why does Lady Macbeth become consumed with guilt?
She convinced Macbeth to begin this path of murder and seeking the crown.
What did the floating dagger symbolize to Macbeth?
That he should go through with the murder of Duncan. It was leading Macbeth to his room.
Why did the doctor tell Macbeth that he could not cure his wife?
Her mental state was due to guilt something he could not cure, only she could herself.
What is Macbeth's tragic flaw?
ambition / pride
How do the people of Scotland view Macbeth? Why?
Ruthless tyrant.
He was responsible for the murders of the beloved Duncan and Banquo
What trick does Malcolm use to hide the number of men in his army?
He has his men cut off tree branches and use them as camouflage.
What does the owl symbolize in this play?
Its hoot was considered an evil omen and was a warning of death.
Provide two reasons Macbeth did not fear Malcolm and the army returning to fight Macbeth.
Birnam wood could not up and transport to Dunsinane castle.
He would not be killed or defeated by anyone woman born.
Why is does Macbeth exemplify a true tragic hero?
Thane of Glamis and later Thane of Cawdor due to his honorable performance on the battlefield. His ambition to be king and his pride to impress his wife drive him to murder and become a ruthless tyrant leading to his demise.
What is the meaning of the first line of the witches’ incantation?
Double, double toil and trouble,
Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.
How does this scene influence the mood?
Twice the amount of trouble will be brought upon Macbeth
Creates mystery, ominous, foreboding feeling. Or foreshadows what is to come.
Who becomes king at the end of the play? Why him?
Malcolm. Duncan originally named him his successor.
Who or what symbolized Macbeth's guilt? Explain
Banquo's ghost. He appeared and seemingly called him out for being responsible for his murder.
Sat in Macbeth's chair.
Why might Shakespeare have included so many elements of the supernatural in his play?
Provide two examples from the play.
A way to win over King James.
Common beliefs of the time and would intrigue the audience.
Three witches/weird sisters & Prophecies, the ghost of Banquo, the floating dagger
What are the three elements of a tragic hero?
Noble upbringing, tragic flaw, and tragic flaw lead to the hero's downfall.
Where did MacDuff go? For what purpose?
England. To get the help of Malcolm, Siward and troops to defend Scotland against Macbeth
Who does Macbeth kill in the battle at Dunsinane castle?
What is said about his death?
Young Siward
He fought honorably and suffered wounds in the front of his body showing that he was not a coward and bravely fought.
What do the storms symbolize in this play? What device attributes human emotions to aspects of nature?
Create mood and symbolize the turmoil in Scotland or a battle about to ensue.(Foreshadowing)
Pathetic fallacy
What cutting words did Lady Macbeth say to Macbeth in order to convince him to kill the king?
What does she ask or pray for in order to find the courage to follow through with her part in the murder?
She tells him to be a man.
"unsex me" - ignore her woman emotions
How has Macbeth changed from the man he was in Act 1?
A noble but fierce warrior, loyal and humble.
A murderous tyrant and ruthless king who acts upon his insecurities and ambition.
Who is the Goddess of Witchcraft and ruler or overseer of the witches? What does she instruct them to do?
Hecate
Make Macbeth believe he is safe which will lead to his demise.
What three individuals have joined forces to fight against Macbeth?
Malcolm, MacDuff, & Siward along with English soldiers.
Explain the meaning of the line: "Out damned spot!"
Lady Macbeth tries to wash the blood from her clothes, and cleanse her mind of her part in the murders.
Is Macbeth a victim of fate or free will? Justify your answer.
Answers will vary but must be justified with evidence from the play.
Lady Macbeth seems to unravel into madness due to her guilt and role in the murders. Identify the murders she speaks of and provide two actions that display her guilt or guilty conscience.
Sleepwalking while talking of the deaths of Duncan, Lady Macduff, and Banquo.
Trying to wash the blood off of her hands and clothes.