Macbeth Act IV
Name____________________
For all answers, include scene and line numbers.
1. What ingredients go into the witches’ stew? What
is the purpose of this vile concoction?
Eye of newt, etc.
The witches prepare this to bring on visions for
Macbeth because they know he’s coming to see
them.
2. What question has Macbeth come to ask the
witches and what do they tell him?
Macbeth wants to know what will happen in the
future. He also wants to know if Banquo’s issue
(lineage) will be kings, as the original prophecy
said.
They tell him the demon knows his thoughts.
3. Describe the three apparitions that Macbeth sees
when he visits the witches. What does each
apparition tell him? (sc. 1, 70-95)
First apparition- a helmeted head: “Beware
Macduff! Beware the Thane of Fife!”
Second- a bloody child: “Laugh to scorn the
power of man; no man of woman born shall
harm Macbeth.”
Third- crowned child bearing a tree: “Macbeth
will never vanquished be until Great Birnam
Wood come up against Dunsinane Hill.”
(Dusinane is where Macbeth’s castle is,
surrounded by Birnam Wood)
4. At the end of scene 1, what does Macbeth vow?
How is this carried out in scene 2?
Macbeth vows to seize upon the castle of Macduff
and “give to the edge of his sword his wife, his
babes, and all unfortunate fools who trace him in
his line”(2, 151-153).
Macbeth also says, “The firstlings of my heart
shall be the firstlings of my hand, be it thought
and done” (2, 147-8).
5. Scene 3 is an “information” scene. What do we
find out about Scotland, and from whom?
Scotland is in ruins; it “sinks beneath the yoke” of
Macbeth the Tyrant.
Macduff tells this to Malcolm, urging Malcolm to
take over and be king.
6. What does Malcolm “confess” and how does
Macduff respond?
Malcolm says he would be a terrible king, and he
is lustful and greedy.
Macduff responds with despair, saying there is no
hope then for Scotland.
Malcolm was lying, just testing Macduff’s loyalty
to see if Macduff is a spy for Macbeth.
7. This act is a contrast to act 1, when the Macbeth
first meets the witches. What parallels can be drawn
between the two acts, keeping in mind any changes in
Macbeth’s character and station?
Act I- Macbeth is called brave and worthy, he is
with Banquo, Macbeth is afraid of the witches, he
is unsure how to act.
Act IV- Macbeth seeks out the witches, they say
something wicked this way comes, meaning
Macbeth, he is not afraid of them, he is a tyrant,
he is isolated- no friends, he is decisive and
impulsive, he shares his thoughts with no one.
8. In scene 1, the eight kings that appear are a “dumb
show,” an interpolated brief scene where nothing is
said. What is the point being made?
The descendants of Banquo for eight generations
will be kings, starting with Fleance.
9. The murder of Macduff’s wife and son is most
unusual because it is shown onstage. Why do you
think Shakespeare chose to do this instead of having
it reported later?
Having innocent women and children murdered
show how evil Macbeth has become and how low
he has stooped in his loss of honor.
10. Both the murderer and Lady Macduff call
Macduff a traitor. In what sense do each of them
mean?
Lady Macduff means it because her husband left
her and the children to go to Malcolm, as if he
turned his back on her in these dangerous times.
The murderer, sent by Macbeth, means Macduff
is a traitor because he went south to ally with
Malcolm against Macbeth.
11. In scene 3, why does Malcolm lie to Macduff,
and what does this reveal about Malcolm?
Malcolm is testing Macduff’s loyalty. Malcolm is
not like his father, who was trusting. Malcolm
trusts no one.
12. What are the qualities of a good king that
Malcolm describes in Act IV, sc. 3, 91-95?
The “King becoming graces” are “justice, verity
(honesty), temperance, stableness, bounty,
perseverance, mercy, lowliness (humility),
devotion, patience, courage, fortitude.”
13. Describe your reaction to scene 3. How exactly
does Shakespeare build
suspense?
After Ross tells Macduff about his family,
Macduff vows revenge.
Malcolm has an army and is marching upon
Macbeth.
How many thanes are left on Macbeth’s side?
English12, Mahnken
Name___________________
Macbeth, Acts IV and V
Identify these quotes. Say what they mean, who said them to whom, and
what is the context.
Act IV
1. “A deed without a name” (IV,1,49).
An action too evil to speak of. The witches tell this
to Macbeth when he asks what they are doing.
2. “...none of woman born/ Shall harm Macbeth”
(IV,1,80).
The second apparition says this to Macbeth. It
seems to mean Macbeth is invincible.
3. “...And even now, / To crown my thoughts with
acts, be it thought and done.” (IV, 1, 148-9).
Macbeth says this after he sees the witches. He
thinks he is so powerful that no one can hurt him
and he is protected by the witches’ magic, so he’s
going to do what ever he wants immediately,
without thinking it through.
4. “Those precious motives, those strong knots of
love...” (IV,3,27)
Malcolm asks Macduff why he left his family,
“Those knots of love.”
5. “I delight no less in truth than in life” (IV, 3, 130).
Malcolm to Macduff, meaning he is honest and
truth is as important to him as his life.
Act V
1. “All the perfumes of Arabia could not sweeten
this little hand” (V,1,50-51).
Lady Macbeth says this while sleepwalking. She
means there is so much guilt on her hands they
will never be “clean.” This line can be compared
to Macbeth’s “All Neptune’s great seas” cannot
wash his hands at the end of the murder scene.
2. “Now does he feel his secret murders sticking on
his hands” (V, 2, 17-18).
Angus, in Malcolm’s army about to attack
Macbeth, says Macbeth is feeling the results of his
actions. Notice the blood imagery and handsstickiness.
3. “It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
signifying nothing”(V,5, 6-27).
Macbeth in his soliloquy, after Lady Macbeth
dies: life is meaningless, full of pointless actions.
He expresses his indifference about Lady M.’s
death.
4. “My way of life has fallen into the sear…that
which should accompany old age…I must not have”
(V,6,23-26).
Macbeth says this in a soliloquy. He burnt his
chances, his good life. He will not have the joys of
old age.
5. “I (be)gin to be weary of the sun...” (V, 5, 49).
Macbeth to himself: I’m tired of predictable
actions, day in and day out.
6. “I bear a charmed life...” (V, 8, 11-12).
Macbeth to Malcolm- you can’t harm me because
I am protected by magic.
(As in, no man of woman born can slay Macbeth)
Macbeth
Act V
1. Theatrically, having Lady Macbeth sleepwalk is
one of the most striking scenes in the play. Why did
Shakespeare choose to do this? How is this related to
remarks Macbeth makes about sleep in Act II?
This scene emphasizes Lady Macbeth’s torment
and guilt, in contrast to Macbeth’s lack of guilt.
Lady M. is alone, her husband is no longer with
her. Macbeth has “murdered” sleep & she is the
one suffering. Ironically, Lady M. is doing what
she told Macbeth not to do- think about things so
“brainsickly.” Also sleepwalkers are eerie, as if
they are ghosts.
2. How does scene 1 directly mirror Act II and III?
Lady Macbeth says numerous things which directly
refer to previous experiences.
- washing the hands of the murder
-getting the nightgown
-not getting caught
-the knocking at the gate
-Duncan’s blood
-Lady Macduff’s murder (the Thane of Fife had a
wife)
-Banquo’s ghost
3. “Nothing in his life became him like the leaving
of it.” Malcolm says this of the Thane of Cawdor in
Act I. Malcolm also says the Thane threw away the
best thing he owned. How does this apply to
Macbeth?
Macbeth threw away his honor, his love/wife,
integrity, etc.
The best thing Macbeth can do is die to restore
order to the tragic world. Macbeth’s death also
gave Macduff an opportunity for revenge.
4. Explain the play’s main internal and external
conflicts and their resolutions.
Internal:
Macbeth v. himself
Ambition v. loyalty
Honesty v. equivocation
Reason v. delusion
Hope v. despair
Strength v. weakness
External:
human v. human
Macbeth v. Duncan,
Macduff, Malcolm,
Lady Macbeth, Banquo
Witches
Macbeth v. Fate
5. The last act contains the play’s climax, the most
emotional and suspenseful part of the action. Which
part of Act V do you consider this to be, and what is
the following resolution?
In scene 7, Macduff says, “Tyrant, show thy face!
If thou be slain and with no stroke of mine, my
wife and children’s ghosts will haunt me still”
(V,7,15-16). So we know he’s going to try to kill
Macbeth, but how can he?
The climax is when Macduff says, “Macduff was
from his mother’s womb untimely ripped!”
(V,8,15-16). This means Macduff was not “born”
of a woman, but taken, so he is the only one who
can kill Macbeth, which he does.
At the end Macbeth goes down fighting, giving
Macduff a chance for resolution and revenge.
Macbeth Act IV
Name____________________
For all answers, include scene and line numbers.
1. What ingredients go into the witches’ stew? What is the purpose of this vile
concoction?
Eye of newt, etc.
The witches prepare this to bring on visions for Macbeth because they know he’s
coming to see them.
2. What question has Macbeth come to ask the witches and what do they tell him?
Macbeth wants to know what will happen in the future. He also wants to know if
Banquo’s issue (lineage) will be kings, as the original prophecy said.
They tell him the demon knows his thoughts.
3. Describe the three apparitions that Macbeth sees when he visits the witches. What
does each apparition tell him? (sc. 1, 70-95)
First apparition- a helmeted head: “Beware Macduff! Beware the Thane of Fife!”
Second- a bloody child: “Laugh to scorn the power of man; no man of woman born
shall harm Macbeth.”
Third- crowned child bearing a tree: “Macbeth will never vanquished be until Great
Birnam Wood come up against Dunsinane Hill.”
(Dusinane is where Macbeth’s castle is, surrounded by Birnam Wood)
4. At the end of scene 1, what does Macbeth vow? How is this carried out in scene 2?
Macbeth vows to seize upon the castle of Macduff and “give to the edge of his sword
his wife, his babes, and all unfortunate fools who trace him in his line”(2, 151-153).
Macbeth also says, “The firstlings of my heart shall be the firstlings of my hand, be
it thought and done” (2, 147-8).
5. Scene 3 is an “information” scene. What do we find out about Scotland, and from
whom?
Scotland is in ruins; it “sinks beneath the yoke” of Macbeth the Tyrant.
Macduff tells this to Malcolm, urging Malcolm to take over and be king.
6. What does Malcolm “confess” and how does Macduff respond?
Malcolm says he would be a terrible king, and he is lustful and greedy.
Macduff responds with despair, saying there is no hope then for Scotland.
Malcolm was lying, just testing Macduff’s loyalty to see if Macduff is a spy for
Macbeth.
7. This act is a contrast to act 1, when the Macbeth first meets the witches. What
parallels can be drawn between the two acts, keeping in mind any changes in Macbeth’s
character and station?
Act I- Macbeth is called brave and worthy, he is with Banquo, Macbeth is afraid of
the witches, he is unsure how to act.
Act IV- Macbeth seeks out the witches, they say something wicked this way comes,
meaning Macbeth, he is not afraid of them, he is a tyrant, he is isolated- no friends,
he is decisive and impulsive, he shares his thoughts with no one.
8. In scene 1, the eight kings that appear are a “dumb show,” an interpolated brief scene
where nothing is said. What is the point being made?
The descendants of Banquo for eight generations will be kings, starting with
Fleance.
9. The murder of Macduff’s wife and son is most unusual because it is shown onstage.
Why do you think Shakespeare chose to do this instead of having it reported later?
Having innocent women and children murdered show how evil Macbeth has become
and how low he has stooped in his loss of honor.
10. Both the murderer and Lady Macduff call Macduff a traitor. In what sense do each of
them mean?
Lady Macduff means it because her husband left her and the children to go to
Malcolm, as if he turned his back on her in these dangerous times.
The murderer, sent by Macbeth, means Macduff is a traitor because he went south
to ally with Malcolm against Macbeth.
11. In scene 3, why does Malcolm lie to Macduff, and what does this reveal about
Malcolm?
Malcolm is testing Macduff’s loyalty. Malcolm is not like his father, who was
trusting. Malcolm trusts no one.
12. What are the qualities of a good king that Malcolm describes in Act IV, sc. 3, 91-95?
The “King becoming graces” are “justice, verity (honesty), temperance, stableness,
bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness (humility), devotion, patience, courage,
fortitude.”
13. Describe your reaction to scene 3. How exactly does Shakespeare build
suspense?
After Ross tells Macduff about his family, Macduff vows revenge.
Malcolm has an army and is marching upon Macbeth.
How many thanes are left on Macbeth’s side?
English12, Mahnken
Name___________________
Macbeth, Acts IV and V
Identify these quotes. Say what they mean, who said them to whom, and what is the
context.
Act IV
1. “A deed without a name” (IV,1,49).
An action too evil to speak of. The witches tell this to Macbeth when he asks what
they are doing.
2. “...none of woman born/ Shall harm Macbeth” (IV,1,80).
The second apparition says this to Macbeth. It seems to mean Macbeth is invincible.
3. “...And even now, / To crown my thoughts with acts, be it thought and done.” (IV, 1,
148-9).
Macbeth says this after he sees the witches. He thinks he is so powerful that no one
can hurt him and he is protected by the witches’ magic, so he’s going to do what
ever he wants immediately, without thinking it through.
4. “Those precious motives, those strong knots of love...” (IV,3,27)
Malcolm asks Macduff why he left his family, “Those knots of love.”
5. “I delight no less in truth than in life” (IV, 3, 130).
Malcolm to Macduff, meaning he is honest and truth is as important to him as his
life.
Act V
1. “All the perfumes of Arabia could not sweeten this little hand” (V,1,50-51).
Lady Macbeth says this while sleepwalking. She means there is so much guilt on her
hands they will never be “clean.” This line can be compared to Macbeth’s “All
Neptune’s great seas” cannot wash his hands at the end of the murder scene.
2. “Now does he feel his secret murders sticking on his hands” (V, 2, 17-18).
Angus, in Malcolm’s army about to attack Macbeth, says Macbeth is feeling the
results of his actions. Notice the blood imagery and hands- stickiness.
3. “It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing”(V,5, 6-27).
Macbeth in his soliloquy, after Lady Macbeth dies: life is meaningless, full of
pointless actions. He expresses his indifference about Lady M.’s death.
4. “My way of life has fallen into the sear…that which should accompany old age…I
must not have” (V,6,23-26).
Macbeth says this in a soliloquy. He burnt his chances, his good life. He will not
have the joys of old age.
5. “I (be)gin to be weary of the sun...” (V, 5, 49).
Macbeth to himself: I’m tired of predictable actions, day in and day out.
6. “I bear a charmed life...” (V, 8, 11-12).
Macbeth to Malcolm- you can’t harm me because I am protected by magic.
(As in, no man of woman born can slay Macbeth)
Macbeth
Act V
1. Theatrically, having Lady Macbeth sleepwalk is one of the most striking scenes in the
play. Why did Shakespeare choose to do this? How is this related to remarks Macbeth
makes about sleep in Act II?
This scene emphasizes Lady Macbeth’s torment and guilt, in contrast to Macbeth’s
lack of guilt. Lady M. is alone, her husband is no longer with her. Macbeth has
“murdered” sleep & she is the one suffering. Ironically, Lady M. is doing what she
told Macbeth not to do- think about things so “brainsickly.” Also sleepwalkers are
eerie, as if they are ghosts.
2. How does scene 1 directly mirror Act II and III? Lady Macbeth says numerous things
which directly refer to previous experiences.
- washing the hands of the murder
-getting the nightgown
-not getting caught
-the knocking at the gate
-Duncan’s blood
-Lady Macduff’s murder (the Thane of Fife had a wife)
-Banquo’s ghost
3. “Nothing in his life became him like the leaving of it.” Malcolm says this of the
Thane of Cawdor in Act I. Malcolm also says the Thane threw away the best thing he
owned. How does this apply to Macbeth?
Macbeth threw away his honor, his love/wife, integrity, etc.
The best thing Macbeth can do is die to restore order to the tragic world. Macbeth’s
death also gave Macduff an opportunity for revenge.
4. Explain the play’s main internal and external conflicts and their resolutions.
Internal:
External:
Macbeth v. himself
human v. human
Ambition v. loyalty
Macbeth v. Duncan,
Honesty v. equivocation
Macduff, Malcolm,
Reason v. delusion
Lady Macbeth, Banquo
Hope v. despair
Witches
Strength v. weakness
Macbeth v. Fate
5. The last act contains the play’s climax, the most emotional and suspenseful part of the
action. Which part of Act V do you consider this to be, and what is the following
resolution?
In scene 7, Macduff says, “Tyrant, show thy face! If thou be slain and with no stroke
of mine, my wife and children’s ghosts will haunt me still” (V,7,15-16). So we know
he’s going to try to kill Macbeth, but how can he?
The climax is when Macduff says, “Macduff was from his mother’s womb untimely
ripped!” (V,8,15-16). This means Macduff was not “born” of a woman, but taken,
so he is the only one who can kill Macbeth, which he does.
At the end Macbeth goes down fighting, giving Macduff a chance for resolution and
revenge.