Macbeth Act IV
Group Response
Name(s) __________________
_______________________
Directions: Answer the following questions. Some numbers have more than one a question; be
sure to respond to all of them.
1. The witches’ chant is given in great detail. The emphasis is on sensational and
spectacular images. (Remember: Shakespearean plays were not read as literature; they
were written as entertainment; they were meant to be experienced.) The first scene of Act
IV provides “good theater,” accenting the weird sisters’ bizarre, gruesome, hideous and
fantastic aspects. This spectacle also foreshadows the macabre apparitions that follow
when Macbeth enters in the second part of this scene. The strange ingredients of the
hags’ brew have a haunted quality and prepare the audience for the horror that is to
follow. What illusions conjure images of the inferno itself (Hell, a fiery abyss) in this
bizarre first scene? Quote these phrases verbatim and give the line number in
parentheses after the quoted words. Give at least five (5) examples. (5)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
2. Each apparition presents a paradox, which seems to provide comfort for Macbeth;
however, Hecate has instructed the witches to prepare a brew that will bring about
Macbeth’s downfall. She congratulates them: “O well done! I commend your pains;”
(IV, I, 37). Consequently, comfort is couched in riddles, and although Macbeth thinks he
understands each of the apparitions, the true meaning of their messages is not divulged
until later in the play. Identify the four apparitions and their messages? How does
Macbeth interpret each of their meanings? What qualities are emerging in the character
of Macbeth? (8)
A.
B.
C.
D.
Responses:
3. Macbeth murders Duncan because he wants the throne. Next he murders the guards
to cover his tracks. Then he murders Banquo to remove someone whom he considers a
threat. How is the murder of Macduff’s family different from Macbeth’s previous
crimes? What does this indicate about his character? (2)
4. At the beginning of Scene iii, Shakespeare employs both foreshadowing and irony. While
speaking in general of the bloodshed at home, Malcolm and Macduff do not realize that
they are discussing a generality which is actually painfully specific. Their discussion of the
state of affairs in Scotland foreshadows Macduff’s personal grief only minutes before he is
to learn of his family’s massacre. Irony is present in Malcolm’s suspicion that Macduff
might be Macbeth’s spy, since Macduff dared to leave his wife and children behind in
Macbeth’s kingdom. However, since the family has already been slaughtered
(unbeknownst to these two men), this skepticism has a powerfully emotional and ironic
impact. As a trick, to probe the depths of Macduff’s sincerity, and loyalty Malcolm accuses
himself of various unkingly vices, some of which Macduff can accept as human. However,
when Macolm says he would probably bring disaster to the land, Macduff then agrees with
Malcolm and says he is not fit to rule. It is then that Malcolm realizes Macduff’s sincerity is
unfeigned and that he is a man to be trusted. Relieved, Malcolm can now lower his guard,
and he tells Macduff he was testing him. What does this elaborate ruse tell the audience
about the state of affairs in Scotland? (3)
5. Why do the men discuss the king of England? (These comments have little to do with
the play.) What does this tell us about Shakespeare? (2)
6. What news does Ross bring? Explain the hunting imagery and metaphor he uses
when imparting this information. (3)
7. Macduff has been noted as a man of candid and sincere emotion; he is the only one
who openly questioned Macbeth’s explanation of Duncan’s death, and he avoided
Macbeth’s coronation. What is Macduff’s reaction to the news of his loss? Why does
Macduff say he cannot equitably avenge these murders? (Why is “an eye for an eye”
impossible?) What is Malcolm’s advice to Macduff? (3)