1. Macbeth Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.
William Shakespeare
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

2. Macbeth
Scene 1
Act 4
What is Macbeth’s attitude toward the Witches in the beginning of this act? How is this different from Act I?
He demands to know the future that they can see. In Act I he is surprised and skeptical of what they say; in Act IV he seems to rely on them completely and deem what they say is true.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

3. Macbeth
Scene 1
Act 4
The Witches conjure up three apparitions. What are these three apparitions, what warning does each give, and how does Macbeth react to each one?
Armed head, “beware Macduff,” he says, “for thy good fortune, thanks.” Bloody child, “none of woman born shall harm Macbeth,” he says, “Then live Macduff; what need I fear of thee?” A child crowned, “Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him,” he says, “that will never be.”
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

4. Macbeth
Scene 1
Act 4
What is the fourth apparition? Why is that one especially terrible to Macbeth?
Eight kings, the last of whom seems to be Banquo’s ghost. Macbeth is responsible for his death, and it seems that many of his offspring will rule not only in England but also Scotland (as some of the kings carry 2 scepters).
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

5. Macbeth
Scene 1
Act 4
The last king in the line holds a mirror showing more. What does this mean?
He holds a mirror up that symbolizes an unending reign of his family.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

6. Macbeth
Scene 1
Act 4
Compare the Macduff household and the Macbeth household. How are Lady Macduff and Lady Macbeth alike? How are they different?
Unlike Lady Macbeth, Lady Macduff knows nothing of her husband’s affairs.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

7. Macbeth
Scene 1
Act 4
Why does Macbeth have Macduff’s wife and children killed?
He wants no chance that any of the offspring (or future offspring) survives to be able to take over the throne.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

8. Macbeth
Scene 2
Act 4
What does Ross’s speech in the beginning of Scene 2 tell us about conditions in Scotland? What justification does Ross give for Macduff’s action?
It is in brutal disorder: division of families, anxiety, dismay, slaughter, violence, etc. It also feels as if they are living in a sort of “police state.” He says that Macduff is noble, wise, judicious, best knows what to do in this time of violence in Scotland.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

9. Macbeth Scene 3 Act 4 In England at court
Scene 3 is the only scene in the entire play that does not take place in Scotland. What is the setting for this scene?
In England at court
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

10. Macbeth
Scene 3
Act 4
While Malcolm and Macduff are talking, Malcolm speaks at great length about his own vices to Macduff. What are some of the faults he names?
He young and lacks experience; he will be an even more tyrannical leader than Macbeth is; he is lustful and greedy (in many ways).
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

11. Macbeth Scene 3 Act 4 Why does he list them for Macduff?
He wants to prove Macduff’s loyalty and love for his country as well as whether he has integrity. Malcolm is concerned that Macduff might be Macbeth’s agent to lure Malcolm back to Scotland and his death.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

12. Macbeth
Scene 3
Act 4
When Ross joins them later in Scene 3 and he is first asked by Macduff about his wife and children, why doesn’t Ross tell him the truth?
It is almost too horrible for him to face. He says that they are “at peace,” which is technically true if one considers death to be peaceful.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

13. Macbeth
Scene 3
Act 4
What is Macduff’s reaction to the news about his wife and children? What does Macduff mean when he says, “But I must also feel it as a man”?
He is dumbfounded and shocked. I have to be courageous and own up to what I have done. They were killed not for their misdeeds but for my own (that is, he left them unprotected; they did nothing to cause their own deaths.)
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

14. Macbeth
Scene 1
Act 4
What does Macduff vow to do by the end of Act IV?
He will join forces with Malcolm and overthrow Macbeth; however, he could never exact complete revenge because Macbeth has no children (and therefore could not suffer the same agony as Macduff has at the loss of them).
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

15. Macbeth
Discuss
Act 4
How do Malcolm’s comments about Macbeth again bring to mind the “fair is foul” theme?
It is impossible to tell by a man’s appearance whether he is good or evil.
Macbeth was once thought to be honest, and he was loved by Macduff. Macduff now looks honest, but he might not be.
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.

16. Macbeth
Questions are taken from Barron’s Simply Shakespeare.