Macbeth - Acts 4 and 5 Questions
Act 4
1. What are the witches doing at the beginning of this act?
2. What three things does Macbeth learn from the witches and apparitions and how does
he react to them?
3. How does Macbeth react to Macduff's departure?
4. How does Malcolm test Macduff’s loyalty to Scotland? Does it work? How do we
know?
5. What impression do we gain of Malcolm in this scene? Support your answer.
6. How does Macduff react to the news that his family has been slaughtered?
7. What action is taken by Macduff and Malcolm?
Act 5
1. What significance does the doctor have?
2. Why won't the doctor or the gentlewoman tell anyone what they have seen or heard?
3. What is Macbeth's current psychological condition?
4. What does Lady Macbeth’s sleeping suggest?
5. How have Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s attitudes been altered?
6. Why does Macduff want to kill Macbeth himself?
7. How is the prophesy of Birnam Wood moving to Dusinane Hill fulfilled?
8. Why doesn't Macbeth put his armor on when he goes out to do battle?
9. Why are Malcolm and Siward able to enter the castle so easily?
10. What is said that frightens Macbeth before he is killed by Macduff? Why is he so
frightened?
11. Who decides who becomes king and who does he choose?