| Macbeth goes to find the Weird Sisters. They agree to show him what the future has in store. Macbeth has three visions. | An armed head tells Macbeth to “beware Macduff.” A bloody child tells Macbeth t”none of woman born / Shall harm Macbeth.” A child wearing a crown and holding a tree tells Macbeth that: “Macbeth shall never vanquish’d be until / Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill / Shall come against him.” |
| Macbeth is satisfied by the prophecies. Still, he develops a plan for Macduff. | Macbeth plans to “make assurance double sure” and kill Macduff. As for the woods vanquishing him, Macbeth says: “That will never be / Who can impress the forest, bid the tree / Unfix his earth-bound root?” |
| Macbeth still wonders about Banquo’s prophecy. What he sees bothers him. | The Weird Sisters summon a vision of eight kings. The kings pass over the stage in order; the last holding a glass. Banquo’s ghost follows behind them. |
| Macduff leaves his family, which bothers his wife. While he’s away, Macbeth’s plan is set in motion. | A messanger arrives and tells Lady Macduff: “If you will take a homely man’s advice, / Be not found here.” Lady Macduff hesitates and shortly thereafter, the murderers arrive and kill her son and her. |
| Macduff finds Malcolm, who is distrusting of him. He reminds Macduff that Macbeth was once thought good as well. | Malcolm tells Macduff: “This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues, / Was once thought honest: you have loved him well.” |
| Ross comes from Scotland with the horrible news. | Macbeth has murdered Macduff’s family. Malcolm advises Macduff to use this news as “the whetstone of your sword: let grief / Convert to anger; blunt not the heart, enrage it.” |
Macbeth Act 4 Comprehension Questions
August 5, 2019