Macbeth Acts 4 and 5 Summaries

Act 4 Scene 1

• Macbeth seeks the witches for guidance on securing his kingship.
• The witches conjure three apparitions: an armed head, a bloody child, and a crowned child with a tree.
• Apparitions warn Macbeth about Macduff and proclaim that no man born of a woman can harm him.
• Macbeth will remain unthreatened until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane.
• Macbeth becomes uneasy seeing a line of kings resembling Banquo and decides to murder Macduff's family.

Act 4 Scene 2

• Ross visits Macduff's family, explaining Macduff's departure to England, leaving them vulnerable.
• A messenger warns Lady Macduff to escape.
• Before she can flee, Macbeth's men attack, resulting in the death of her and her son.

Act 4 Scene 3

• Macduff meets Malcolm in England, urging him to attack Macbeth.
• Initially suspicious, Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty, ultimately revealing an army provided by King Edward.
• Ross arrives with tragic news of the massacre of Macduff's family.
• Stricken with grief, Macduff channels his sorrow into a desire for revenge against Macbeth.

Act 5 Scene 1

• A gentlewoman sees Lady Macbeth sleepwalking and consults a doctor.
• Lady Macbeth is observed attempting to wash her hands, haunted by guilt over past actions.
• The doctor concludes she requires spiritual healing instead of medical intervention.

Act 5 Scene 2

• A rebellion against Macbeth is underway; Scottish forces march toward Birnam Wood to unite with Malcolm's army.

Act 5 Scene 3

• Reports of opposing forces alarm Macbeth, who seeks reassurance from the apparitions.
• He shows concern for Lady Macbeth's declining health and expresses frustration with her physician's inability to help her.

Act 5 Scene 4

• The Scottish rebels join Malcolm's troops at Birnam Wood.
• Malcolm commands his soldiers to cut branches to disguise their numbers as they approach Dunsinane.

Act 5 Scene 5

• Macbeth remains confident in his ability to withstand Malcolm’s siege.
• He learns of Lady Macbeth's death and the movement of Birnam Wood toward his castle.
• This prompts him to abandon the castle for a showdown in the open field.

Act 5 Scene 6

• Malcolm arrives with his army at Dunsinane Castle in preparation for battle.

Act 5 Scene 7

• Macbeth engages in battle and kills Young Siward, son of the English commander.
• After his exit, Macduff arrives searching for Macbeth, while Malcolm's forces are bolstered by defectors from Macbeth’s army.

Act 5 Scene 8

• Macduff confronts Macbeth, who is hesitant to fight due to his past actions against Macduff's family.
• Macduff reveals he was not born of a woman in the traditional sense, having been birthed via a cesarean.
• Faced with this revelation, Macbeth fights only when threatened by Macduff.
• Macduff ultimately kills Macbeth, beheads him, and presents the head to Malcolm, who is then crowned king, rewarding his loyal followers.

Explore the pivotal moments in Acts 4 and 5 of Shakespeare's Macbeth through this flashcard quiz. Delve into the appearances of the witches and their prophecies, along with Macbeth's descent into madness and the unfolding of his tragic fate. Test your knowledge and understanding of these crucial scenes that shape the narrative.