Act 4 study guide

Act 4, sc i

1. Note how many ways the number 3 is used in this supernatural scene.  List the ways - what is the significance?
2. Describe the first apparition.  What is the message?
3. Describe the second apparition. What is the message? What does Macbeth decide to do? Note: Macduff's mother was dead when he was born, thus he is not considered "of woman born"
4. Describe the third apparition.  What is its message?
5. What does Macbeth finally ask of the witches? What is their initial response - before bringing on the line of kings?
6. Upon viewing the lineage of Banquo, what does Macbeth Lastly request? (121)
7. What news does Lennox bring to Macbeth?
8. What is meant by "from this moment/the very firstling of my heart shall be/ the firstling of my hand..."
9. What does Macbeth plan to do? (147-151)

Act 4, sc ii

1. Why is Lady Macduff angry at her husband?
2. Why does the son know his father is still alive?
3. What is most horrible about the impending murders of Lady Macduff and her son? How does the messenger heighten this concept?
4. How does this scene end? What is the dramatic effect?

Act 4, sc iii

1. In their conversation, find the line: a) Malcolm does not trust Macduff b)Malcolm questions why Macduff would leave his family c) Malcolm explains he may prove to be WORSE, more despotic than Macbeth d)List that which Malcolm explains he might do were he to become king (This is to test Macduff's allegiance) e) What is Macduff's response - that earns him Malcom's trust? (cite ln and ln #s)
2. List the King becoming graces as stated by Malcolm (90-94).
3. What help has Siward (General from England) supplied Malcolm in his plan to retake the throne of Scotland?
4. What news is brought to Macduff by Ross? Why does Macduff feel responsible?
5. What revenge does Malcolm suggest? Paraphrase and write the original line with proper citation
6. What does Malcolm swear to do?