Macbeth Act 4 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are apparitions?

Physical creatures

Visions created by the Witches (correct)

Demonic spirits

Imaginary friends

Who is Lady Macduff?

Macduff's distraught wife

Who is Macduff's son?

Macduff's child

How does Macbeth's attitude differ from the first encounter with the witches?

He is more confident and is interested in what the witches have to say. Signup and view all the answers

What does this change in attitude show about the change in Macbeth's character?

He is more expecting of greatness compared to the surprising news that one day he will be king in Act One. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the witches are stereotypical.

They cast spells, predict the future, and are portrayed as ugly. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the apparitions shown so far in the play.

<ol> <li>A head with a helmet 2. A bloody child 3. A child wearing a crown holding a branch</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What does the head with a helmet signify?

Beware Macduff Signup and view all the answers

What does the bloody child indicate?

No man born of woman can harm you. Signup and view all the answers

What does the child wearing a crown holding a branch predict?

You will not be harmed until Birnam Wood moves toward Dunsinane. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Macbeth readily accept the predictions made by the second and third apparitions?

He has become so obsessed with power that he is no longer reasonable and believes the unbelievable. Signup and view all the answers

How do the witches respond when Macbeth insists on knowing what the future holds for Banquo's children?

Be careful what you wish for. Signup and view all the answers

In the witches' procession of kings, why do some kings carry double and triple scepters?

The scepters represent ruling more than one country at one time. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Banquo's ghost carry a mirror?

To show a continuous blood line of kings from Banquo. Signup and view all the answers

What relationship do Macbeth and Macduff have at this time?

They are enemies because Macduff believes Malcolm should be king. Signup and view all the answers

Why has Macbeth become a ruthless, unfeeling person?

His ambition drives him to kill innocent women and children to get revenge on Macduff. Signup and view all the answers

How does the decision to kill Macduff's family differ from his decisions to murder Duncan and Banquo?

His decision is no longer political; killing Macduff's family is pure evil. Signup and view all the answers

Based on the conversation between Lady Macduff and her son, what type of person is she?

She serves as a foil character to Lady Macbeth because she is loving, gentle, and innocent. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the characters of Lady Macduff to Lady Macbeth.

Lady Macbeth is cruel, fake, murderous, and ambitious. Lady Macduff is loving, gentle, and innocent. Signup and view all the answers

How does the dialogue between Lady Macduff and her son affect the reader's response to their murder?

It makes the murder more horrible and the audience hates Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

How does Malcolm describe himself to Macduff in their conversation?

He is not the type of person to make a good king because he is full of lust, greed, and has no qualities to be king. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Malcolm misrepresent his character to Macduff?

To test if he could be trusted. Signup and view all the answers

What good news about 'gracious England' does Malcolm tell Macduff?

King Edward and Siward have lent ten thousand troops to help overthrow Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

What news does Ross bring Macduff about his family?

They were murdered by Macbeth's assassins. Signup and view all the answers

Why might Ross be reluctant to give Macduff the news?

Macduff will be devastated, and Ross wants him to focus on overthrowing Macbeth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the double meaning of the line: 'No, they were well at peace when I did leave 'em'?

He is hinting that they are in peace because they are dead. Signup and view all the answers

How does Ross's behavior build up the intensity of the scene?

The audience knows that Lady Macduff and her son are already dead. Signup and view all the answers

What advice does Malcolm give Macduff in order to control his grief?

Act like a man, and turn your grief into anger. Signup and view all the answers

What does Macduff vow? Does he react the way people do in real life?

He will kill Macbeth in a one-on-one fight. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Apparitions in Macbeth

Apparitions are supernatural visions created by the Witches, influencing Macbeth's actions.
The apparitions include:
- A head with a helmet warning Macbeth to "Beware Macduff."
- A bloody child who reveals that no man born of a woman can harm Macbeth.
- A crowned child holding a branch indicating Macbeth will remain unchallenged until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane.

Lady Macduff and Her Son

Lady Macduff is characterized as distraught and loving, serving as a contrast to Lady Macbeth's ambition.
Her son is innocent and represents the tragic consequences of Macbeth's ambition.

Macbeth's Shift in Attitude

Macbeth's confidence grows significantly from his first encounter with the Witches, demonstrating a change in character as he becomes obsessed with power.
He shifts from surprise at prophecies to an expectation of greatness.

Nature of the Witches

The Witches embody stereotypical traits: they cast spells, predict the future, and possess an ugly appearance, heightening their supernatural aura.

The Impact of Predictions

Macbeth's acceptance of the Witches' prophecies reflects his distorted reality, showcasing his obsessive pursuit of power.
Banquo is warned subtly about the consequences of his desires, emphasizing caution.

Banquo's Ghost

In the witches' sequence of kings, some carry multiple scepters, signifying the rule over various realms, symbolizing power and consequence.
Banquo's ghost holds a mirror, representing the line of kings descending from him, serving as a reminder of Macbeth's fears.

Dynamic Between Macbeth and Macduff

Macbeth and Macduff are currently enemies, with Macduff supporting Malcolm's claim to the throne.
Macduff's fierce opposition to Macbeth's tyranny drives the plot toward conflict.

Macbeth's Ruthlessness

Macbeth's ambition leads him to commit heinous acts, including the slaughter of innocent women and children, a stark contrast to his previous political motivations.
The decision to murder Macduff's family is portrayed as pure evil, lacking justification.

Emotional Parallels

Lady Macduff, as a foil to Lady Macbeth, embodies love and innocence, highlighting the tragic results of Macbeth's ambition.
The innocent dialogue between Lady Macduff and her son deepens the audience's horror at their impending murder.

Malcolm's Characterization

Malcolm exaggeratedly describes his flaws (lust, greed) to test Macduff's loyalty and intentions.
Despite disqualifying himself as a king, he reveals the support from England to overthrow Macbeth.

Macduff's Tragic News

Ross hesitates to inform Macduff of his family's murder, aiming to keep him focused on their goal against Macbeth.
The double meaning of Ross's line alludes to the peace found in death, intensifying the emotional impact on Macduff.

Coping with Grief

Malcolm advises Macduff to channel his grief into anger, promoting a manly response to tragedy.
Macduff vows to confront Macbeth, illustrating a typical human reaction to loss, demonstrating resilience and purpose in the face of despair.

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Test your knowledge of Act 4 of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' with these flashcards. Identify key characters, terms, and concepts that shape the play's development during this pivotal act. Ideal for students and enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare's work.