Macbeth
ACT IV Notes
Answers
Questions
Act IV, scene i
1. Explain the irony of the
witches’ statement that
“Something wicked this
way comes.”
2. Summarize the 3
apparitions. What effect
does each one have on
Macbeth? How do any of
these effects confirm the
message of Hecate’s
speech in III.v?
1.
2.
3.
Act IV, scene ii
1. In what significant ways
does the murder of
Macduff’s family differ
from Macbeth’s previous
crimes? SUPPORT?
Open-Ended Response
In Act IV scene ii, the first
murder is committed on stage.
Right before that, a mother and
son are speaking. How does this
change the audience’s reaction
to the horrible sight?
Act IV, scene iii
1. How does Malcolm test
Macduff’s loyalty?
2. A foil is a character who
embodies characteristics
that are opposite to those of
the main character in order
to highlight a flaw in the
main character's
personality. How does this
loyalty test establish
Malcolm as a foil to his late
father and why is this
significant?
3. What is Malcolm’s advice
to Macduff upon receiving
the news of his family’s
murder?
Macduff can also be seen as a
foil for Macbeth. In what ways
do these two characters
highlight opposite traits?