Macbeth Study Guide: Act IV – Flashcards
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Describe Macbeth's behavior upon meeting the witches in Scene I.
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He becomes demanding towards the witches.
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At the beginning of Act IV Macbeth meets the "weird sisters" while they are making a bizarre brew, he demands they show him his future. What is each apparition and the message which accompanies each (3)?
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1. The floating head warns him to beware Macduff. 2. The bloody child- fear no man born of woman. 3. A crowned child holding a tree says he is safe until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill.
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Macbeth demands to know of Banquo's heirs: what appears? What does this mean?
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Eight Kings march across the stage, followed by the ghost of Banquo.
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What does Macbeth learn about the whereabouts of Macduff? How will Macbeth punish him for this action?
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Macbeth learns that Macduff has fled to England and this angers Macbeth greatly so he orders Macduff's wife and children be killed.
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At the beginning of Scene 2 why is Lady Macduff angry with her husband? How does Ross calm her?
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Because he is defending her cowardly husband. Insists that Macduff is doing this for the good of his family and country.
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How do the murders of Lady Macduff and her son emphasize Macbeth's moral deterioration?
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That he is willing to kill the most innocent people for his cause.
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How does Macduff react to the news of his family's murders?
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He is upset, then slowly rages for revenge.
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Why does Malcolm feel he must lie to Macduff and test his loyalty? Why is he weary of him? (3)
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1. Macduff and Macbeth were close friends when Malcolm left Scotland. 2. Macduff could be spying on Malcolm. 3. Macbeth has not yet hurt/ killed Macduff which would mean he isn't an enemy of Macbeth's.
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How does Macduff pass the test?
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Rather than lashing out at Malcolm, Macduff cries for God to help his country.
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What is the dramatic irony of the conversation between Ross and Macduff when Macduff asks about his family?
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Ross lies to him but the audience knows that Macduff's family is dead.
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What is Macduff's reaction to the murder of his family? What is Malcolm's advice?
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He is angry and sad. Malcolm suggests to channel that anger and sadness into revenge.
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What does the audience learn at the end of Act IV?
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That Macbeth is going to slaughter Macduff's family.
