Macbeth
by William Shakespeare
(Act Four - Study Guide)

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ACT FOUR - SCENE 1:

Macbeth seeks counsel from the weird sisters who show him a series of apparitions:

1. Explain the message given to Macbeth by each of the following apparitions.

• First Apparition: an armed Head
• Second Apparition: A bloody Child
• Third Apparition: a Child crowned, with a tree in his hand

2. How does this make Macbeth feel?

Finally the witches show Eight Kings, the last with a glass in his hand; GHOST OF BANQUO following.

3. Explain the irony in the following statement by Macbeth;

"Infected be the air whereon they ride
 And damn'd all those that trust them! ..."

4. What does Macbeth decide to do next?

ACT FOUR - SCENE 2: Macduff's Castle

Lady Macduff converses with he son.  She is upset because her husband has gone off to England leaving his family unprotected.

1. What happens to them?

ACT FOUR SCENE 3:

Malcolm, King Duncan's son, and Macduff are discussing plans to return to Scotland with an army to overthrow Macbeth..

Ross enters with news of Duncan's family.

1. How does Macduff reponde to this news?

2. What does he vow to do?