Reason Macbeth went to weird sisters | To see apparitions of future |
Witches | “Double double, toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble.” |
Animals mentioned in Scene 1 | Fox, whale, frog, snake, cat, hedgehog, lizard, dog, owl, wolf, shark, worm, etc. |
1st apparition | Head of warrior, warns Macbeth of Macduff’s revenge. |
2nd apparition | Blood-covered child, Macbeth can’t be killed by anyone “of woman born.” |
3rd apparition | Child wearing crown, holding tree, promises Macbeth can’t be vanquished in battle until Birnam Wood uproots and comes to Dunsinane Hill (his castle). |
Message of 3 Apparitions to Macbeth | 1) Beware of Macduff, 2) No one of woman born would harm him, 3) Macbeth would not be vanquished until Birnam Wood uprooted and came to his castle. |
Result of Macbeth asking about Banquo’s sons | Saw procession of Banquo’s heirs, 8 kings and last one with looking glass. |
Banquo’s issue | He has many heirs and they would rule until the end of time. |
Macbeth | “I’ll make assurance double sure” |
Crime Macduff is accused of by Macbeth | Treason |
Reason Malcolm suspects Macduff of treachery | Thinks Macduff is trying to kill him. |
Reason Macduff blames himself for death of his family | He wasn’t there to protect them. |
Four apparitions called up by the witches | Soldier, bloody child, crowned child holding a tree, 8 kings |
Reason Macbeth is oblivious to hidden meanings in witches’ prophecies | He is insane and his ambition is his tragic flaw. |
Occurrence in Scene I that disturbs Macbeth | Banquo’s ghost |
Reason last king carries looking glass | To show Macbeth many more heirs to come. |
Reason Macbeth decides to murder Macduff’s family | To get revenge on Macduff and be sure his family suffered. |
Macduff flees to England | Macbeth announces revenge on Macduff’s family |
How Macbeth’s decision to murder Macduff’s family differs from previous murders | He has resorted to killing women and children. |
Lady Macbeth’s accusation against Macduff | Feels he has acted dishonestly, calls him a traitor. |
Lady Macduff’s character | Insane, angry, harsh, rude. |
Macduff’s son’s character | Sassy, defensive, loving, practical, loyal to Macduff. |
Macduff’s son | “world is full of dishonest people,” reference to biblical story |
How exchange between Lady Macduff and Macduff’s son affects audience’s response to killing | Contrast between comedy and tragedy |
Murder of Macduff’s family | Son murdered, wife chased by murderers (killed). |
Macduff | “At one fell swoop” |
How Malcolm describes himself to Macduff | Tyrant, worse than Macbeth. |
Malcolm to Macduff | Says Malcolm would be great tyrant and worse than Macbeth, tries to gain Macduff’s loyalty through reverse psychology. |
Reason Malcolm misrepresents himself to Macduff | He wants to gain Macduff’s loyalty. |
Reason Malcolm would be a strong Scottish leader | Knows flaws of Macbeth, wants revenge for the murder of his family. |
Malcolm’s promises as tyrant | 1) Sexual abuse of all women, 2) Take land and houses of nobility, 3) Start conflicts with other nations. |
Reason Malcolm gains Macduff’s loyalty | Still hates Macbeth. |
How Ross’s behavior in Scene 3 builds up the intensity | Gradually tells Macduff of slaughter of his family, slow development leading up to reveal of murder. |
Result of Ross telling Macduff about his family’s murder | Macduff wants revenge. |
Aid of King Edward given to Malcolm for rebellion | Siward and 10,000 soldiers |
What Malcolm says to help Macduff control his grief and redirect anger | “Turn your grief into anger” |
Macbeth Act 4
August 22, 2019