Act 4 Questions

Macbeth

4.1

1) What are the four visions that Macbeth sees?
An armed head, a bloody child, a crowned child with a tree in his hand and a show of eight kings,
2) Which visions does he misread or misunderstand and why?
He thought he didn't have to kill Macduff, he doesn't think anyone will fight him. He believes he has no reason, an he thinks his only competition in a sense is Banquo.
3) What news does Lennox bring Macbeth?
He tells him that Macduff has fled to England.
4) What does Macbeth decide from Lennox’s news?
He is going to kill everyone related or affiliated with Macduff.
5) How might this scene be a possible climax for the play?
Because Macbeth has spun out of control.

4.2

1) Why does Shakespeare include a scene with Lady Macduff and her son?
Because Lady Macduff wants to know about here husbands flight, and she tries to explain to her son.
2) What is important about this scene?
A messenger tries to warn them to flee, but, the murderers catch them before the escape. They die.
3) List one motif or symbol from this scene?
Lady Macduff is the bird who must protect the son who is referred to as the egg.


4.3

1) Why has Macduff come to England?
He wants to speak with Malcolm about Macbeth.
2) What is Malcolm’s fear in lines 10-19?
He fears Macduff will kill him, and doesn't know who to trust.
3) Who does the lamb represent in these lines?
Macduff is the lamb, like Christ.
4) What is significant in the lines “Angles are bright still, though the brightest fell./Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace,/ yet grace must still look so.”
He is saying lucifer is the brightest angel, like Macbeth.
5) What is significant in the line, “Bleed, bleed, pour country!”
Macduff believe Scotland is wounded because of Macbeth's actions.
6) What does Malcolm call Macbeth? What list of adjectives does he use?
justice, verity, temp'rance, stableness, bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, devotion, patience, courage, & fortitude.
7) How has Malcolm changed since Act II?
He has gone from brave to fearful.
8) What is the atmosphere of this scene? Why is this important?
Malcolm thinks he will be worse than Macbeth as king. It is important because the whole plan is to make Malcolm king, but his views of himself have changed.
9) What news does the doctor bring? How is this symbolic to the scene, especially to Malcolm?
People are waiting for King Edward of England's healing touch.
10) How many men did England lend Macduff?
Ten thousand soldiers.
11) What does Macduff mean when he says, “But I must also feel it as a man.”
It must fight/ be tough and manly.