Macbeth By: William Shakespeare Full Analysis of Act 4 By: Cheyene Bemister

Scene 1-Summary In this scene, Macbeth becomes weary of the permanence of his kingship and needs reassurance from the witches. Upon meeting with them, three apparitions appear: an armed head, a bloody child, and a crowned child holding a tree, that each have a message for Macbeth. However, Macbeth becomes unconfident when his worst fear is confirmed, as Banquo’s sons are predicted to be the kings of the future.

Scene 1-Plot Advancement Beginning of Macbeth’s downfall Paranoid about his kingship being taken away Macbeth seeks out the witches this time, instead of them seeking him

Scene 1-Character Development Witches feed off of Macbeth’s insecurity, proving to be more evil than before Macbeth hesitates and experiences a decrease in confidence, much different from previous scenes

Scene 1-Theme Development Power is a burden, not a comfort

Scene 1-Theme Development Committing evil leads to guilt and suffering

Scene 1-Key Passages “I conjure you by that which you profess— Howe'er you come to know it—answer me. Though you untie the winds and let them fight Against the churches” (Macbeth ).

Scene 1-Key Passages “Rebellious dead, rise never till the wood Of Birnam rise, and our high-placed Macbeth Shall live the lease of nature, pay his breath To time and mortal custom. Yet my heart Throbs to know one thing. Tell me, if your art Can tell so much: shall Banquo’s issue ever Reign in this kingdom” (Macbeth ).

Scene 1-Symbols Apparitions “Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff. Beware the thane of Fife. Dismiss me. Enough” (Macbeth ). “Be bloody, bold, and resolute. Laugh to scorn The power of man, for none of woman born Shall harm Macbeth” (Macbeth ). “Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill Shall come against him” (Macbeth ).

Scene 1-Purpose Provides insight into Macbeth’s deteriorating character Displays the severe importance of Macbeth’s ambition and the measures he takes to preserve it

Scene 2-Summary In this scene, the audience is introduced to Lady Macduff and her son. While conversing with Ross, a messenger arrives at the house and warns Lady Macduff of danger approaching. Before she can leave, her and her son are terribly slaughtered by murderers hired by Macbeth.

Scene 2-Plot Advancement Climax of Macbeth’s ruthlessness Macbeth’s ambition is the only thing of value in his mind, and nothing else matters Ultimately leads to vengeance on Macbeth

Scene 2-Character Development Macbeth develops in this scene as he has killed people who pose no threat to him or his ambition Is at the point of no return, and has no justification for murder

Scene 2-Character Contrast Light and Dark Loving relationship between Lady Macduff And her son serves as contrast to the evil Lady Macbeth, and the rest of the play in general.

Scene 2-Theme Development Appearance vs. Reality

Scene 2-Key Passages “He loves us not; He wants the natural touch. For the poor wren, The most diminutive of birds, will fight, Her young ones in her nest, against the owl. All is the fear and nothing is the love” (Macbeth ). “Why should I, mother? Poor birds they are not set for. My father is not dead, for all your saying” (Macbeth ).

Scene 2-Key Passages “I have done no harm. But I remember now I am in this earthly world, where to do harm Is often laudable, to do good sometime Accounted dangerous folly” (Macbeth ). “What, you egg? Young fry of treachery” (Macbeth ). Slide 17**

Scene 2-Symbol Bird The bird symbolizes innocence in this scene when associated with Lady Macduff’s son. Slide 18**

Scene 2-Purpose Acts as the most heinous act committed by Macbeth Demonstrates his loss of self control and connection with the world Inner conflict has exploded Slide 19**

Scene 3-Summary In this scene, Macduff finds Malcolm and wants him to be of assistance in overthrowing Macbeth. Malcolm tests Macduff to ensure he is visiting for all the right reasons. Macduff also learns of the death of his entire family, and uses his anger to prepare for war with Macbeth. Slide 20**

Scene 3-Plot Advancement Macbeth is finally conspired against Conversation about him turns from previously positive, to negative and vengeful Beginning of the end of Macbeth’s terrible reign Slide 21**

Scene 3-Character Development Malcolm -Evident he grows to care greatly for the throne as he tests Macduff’s loyalty upon arriving -Steps up because his father cannot, proving his manhood Slide 22**

Scene 3-Character Development Macduff -The audience begins to see Macduff’s sincerity -Assists in Malcolm’s development Slide 23**

Scene 3-Theme Development -Treachery will be punished -There are consequences if the natural order of things is disturbed -Violence is sometimes necessary Slide 24**

Scene 3-Key Passages “Let us rather Hold fast the mortal sword and, like good men, Bestride our downfall’n birthdom” (Macbeth ). “Ten thousand warlike men, Already at a point, was setting forth. Now we’ll together, and the chance of goodness Be like our warranted quarrel” (Macbeth ). Slide 25**

Scene 3-Key Passages “Bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself. Within my sword’s length set him; if he ’scape, Heaven forgive him too” (Macbeth ). “The night is long that never finds the day” (Macbeth ). Slide 26**

Scene 3-Purpose Signifies the end of Macbeth Beginning of the war Shows the contrast of Malcolm and Macbeth as king Slide 27**

ACT 4 In Conclusion…. Macbeth once represented strength, power, and nobility in Scotland Now represents terror and destruction Macbeth is pitied, but suffers consequences Slide 28**