Macbeth
Act 4 Study Guide
Act 4 Scene 1:
1. Based on this scene, do you think the witches are good or evil? Why?
2. In lines 44-45, the second witch says, “By the pricking of my thumbs, / Something wicked this way comes:” Who or what is coming?
3. The witches summon three different apparitions. Each makes a prediction for Macbeth. What are those three predictions?
4. The witches summon eight kings and the ghost of Banquo. What is Macbeth’s reaction to this apparition?
5. After the witches vanish, Lennox enters and gives Macbeth some news. What news does Lennox give him and what is Macbeth’s reaction to it?
6. Describe Macbeth’s character based on this scene.
Act 4 Scene 2:
1. As the scene opens, Lady Macduff and Ross are having a conversation about Macduff. What advice does Ross give her?
2. Based on Lady Macduff’s conversation with Ross and then later her son, how does Lady Macduff feel about her husband and why?
3. A messenger arrives with some advice. What advice does he give her and why?
4. In lines 71-73, Lady Macduff states a truth. She says, “I am in this earthly world; where to do harm / Is often laudable, to do good sometime / Accounted dangerous folly:” What does she mean? Give an example from the play. Can you also think of examples of this in our world today?
5. What happens to Lady Macduff and her son at the end of the scene?
Act 4 Scene 3:
1. Where does this scene take place?
2. When the scene opens, Malcolm isn’t sure whether he should trust Macduff. Why is he afraid to trust him?
3. Malcolm tells Macduff that if Malcolm is made king, he will be worse than Macbeth. How does he describe himself? Why does Malcolm later take back everything he said about himself? What is his larger purpose?
4. Ross finds Malcolm and Macduff. He delivers some shocking news to Macduff. What does he tell him? What does Macduff decide to do as a result?
5. Who is Siward and how is he going to help?
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