Download Macbeth in-class activity 4

Macbeth: III.iv, IV.i-iii
For the first 20 minutes of class, do the following independently in writing. There will be a 4 minute
break. Then you will partner with two people one at a time, for 5 min each) and compare your
comments, adding notes to your writing as you talk to each. Turn in your paper/s with answers & notes.
1. What does this speech reveal about Macbeth? How has he changed? How is he the same? What does he
say about the meaning of his actions? What is his plan now?
MACBETH. I hear it by the way, but I will send.
There's not a one of them but in his house
I keep a servant fee’d. I will tomorrow,
And betimes I will, to the weird sisters.
More shall they speak; for now I am bent to know,
By the worst means, the worst. For mine own good
All causes shall give way. I am in blood
Stepp'd in so far that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o'er.
Strange things I have in head that will to hand,
Which must be acted ere they may be scann'd.
2. In IV.i, why do you think Shakespeare chose the "ingredients of our cauldron" as he did? How does the
language/imagery relate to a recurring image/symbol of the play?
3. In IV.i, what are the prophecies the witches make. There are three. List them and explain them as Macbeth
understands them at the time.
4. In IV.ii, we get to meet Macduff's son just long enough for us to care when he dies. More significantly to
the themes of corruption spreading and flowing out from Macbeth's rule, describe here what this little boy
(who, since he is still spending time with the women, should not be over 8 years old) knows about this
Scotland where he lives, and what that implies about power and corruption.
SON. What is a traitor?
LADY MACDUFF. Why one that swears and lies.
SON. And be all traitors that do so?
LADY MACDUFF. Everyone that does so is a traitor and must be hanged.
SON. And must they all be hanged that swear and lie?
LADY MACDUFF. Everyone.
SON. Who must hang them?
LADY MACDUFF. Why, the honest men.
SON. Then the liars and swearers are fools, for there are liars and swearers enow to beat the honest men and
hang up them.
LADY MACDUFF. Now, God help thee, poor monkey! But how wilt thou do for a father?
SON. If he were dead, you'ld weep for him; if you would not, it were a good sign that I should quickly have a
new father.
LADY MACDUFF. Poor prattler, how thou talk'st!
5. Describe the Scotland Macduff says exists under Macbeth's reign.
MACDUFF. Let us rather
Hold fast the mortal sword, and like good men
Bestride our downfall'n birthdom. Each new morn
New widows howl, new orphans cry, new sorrows
Strike heaven on the face, that it resounds
As if it felt with Scotland and yell'd out
Like syllable of dolor.
6. First Malcolm tells Macduff the first will occur when he (Malcolm) is rightfully restored to the throne.
Then he shares the second passage. Why does he do this? What is his purpose?
Passage 1
Passage 2
MALCOLM. When I shall tread upon the tyrant's head,
Or wear it on my sword, yet my poor country
MALCOLM. Macduff, this noble passion,
Shall have more vices than it had before,
Child of integrity, hath from my soul
More suffer and more sundry ways than ever,
Wiped the black scruples, reconciled my thoughts
By him that shall succeed.
To thy good truth and honor. Devilish Macbeth
It is myself I mean, in whom I know
By many of these trains hath sought to win me
All the particulars of vice so grafted
Into his power, and modest wisdom plucks me
That, when they shall be open'd, black Macbeth
From over-credulous haste. But God above
Will seem as pure as snow, and the poor state
Deal between thee and me! For even now
Esteem him as a lamb, being compared
I put myself to thy direction and
With my confineless harms. The king-becoming graces, Unspeak mine own detraction; here abjure
As justice, verity, temperance, stableness,
The taints and blames I laid upon myself,
Bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness,
For strangers to my nature. I am yet
Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude,
Unknown to woman, never was forsworn,
I have no relish of them, but abound
Scarcely have coveted what was mine own,
In the division of each several crime,
At no time broke my faith, would not betray
Acting it many ways. Nay, had I power, I should
The devil to his fellow, and delight
Pour the sweet milk of concord into hell,
No less in truth than life. My first false speaking
Uproar the universal peace, confound
Was this upon myself.
All unity on earth.
7. Ross delivers the news of the massacre of Macduff's family. Describe Macduff's reaction and analyze why
he behaves this way from a psychological perspective based on what we know today.
8. After Ross's news, Malcolm admonishes Macduff and Macduff responses as follows. How does this
passage fit into the play's theme of masculinity vs. femininity, and what is Shakespeare saying about that
theme by putting these words in the mouth of the hero who will strike down the tyrant Macbeth?
MALCOLM. Dispute it like a man.
MACDUFF. I shall do so,
But I must also feel it as a man.
I cannot but remember such things were
That were most precious to me.