Macbeth Act 4 Flashcards
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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?

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

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

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

    Explain how the witches are stereotypical.

    <p>They cast spells, predict the future, and are portrayed as ugly.</p> 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?

    <p>Beware Macduff</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the bloody child indicate?

    <p>No man born of woman can harm you.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

    <p>Be careful what you wish for.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

    Why does Banquo's ghost carry a mirror?

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

    What relationship do Macbeth and Macduff have at this time?

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

    Why has Macbeth become a ruthless, unfeeling person?

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

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

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

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

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

    Compare the characters of Lady Macduff to Lady Macbeth.

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

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

    <p>It makes the murder more horrible and the audience hates Macbeth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Malcolm describe himself to Macduff in their conversation?

    <p>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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does Malcolm misrepresent his character to Macduff?

    <p>To test if he could be trusted.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

    What news does Ross bring Macduff about his family?

    <p>They were murdered by Macbeth's assassins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might Ross be reluctant to give Macduff the news?

    <p>Macduff will be devastated, and Ross wants him to focus on overthrowing Macbeth.</p> 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'?

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

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

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

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

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

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

    <p>He will kill Macbeth in a one-on-one fight.</p> 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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    Description

    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.

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