Download handout

MACBETH - Act IV
1.
What damage does Macbeth cite as caused by the winds which are
unleashed by the witches?
2.
What are the three apparitions conjured in the witches’ brew? List them,
first, second and third.
3.
What does each apparition reveal to Macbeth? List the three predictions
and note Macbeth’s reaction to each one.
4.
What is the important question which Macbeth insists the apparitions
must answer? What is his reaction when it is refused?
5.
Explain the irony in Macbeth’s curse:
Infected be the air whereon they ride
And dammed all those that trust them!
6.
What is Macbeth’s decision in response to the announcement by Lennox
that Macduff has fled to England?
7.
(Scene ii) Why is this murder even more horrible than the murder of
Duncan or Banquo?
8.
If the Messenger in scene 2 is a character already seen in the play, whom
would you choose for secretly bring in this warning to Lady Macduff?
9.
What does this murder indicate about the change in the character of
Macbeth?
10.
(Scene iii) How does Malcolm test the sincerity of Macduff? Why, do you
think?
11.
What advice does Malcolm give Macduff in his grief?
PART B: Choose one important quote per scene in Act 4. Analyse the meaning
behind the quote and explain why you chose it as the most representative of
the scene.
PART C: Shakespeare uses many examples of imagery throughout Macbeth.
Using the categories below, find one example of imagery from the play (you
may use acts 1-4). Be sure to also explain what this imagery is actually
conveying within the text.
Night/darkness
Blood
Death
Animals
Clothing