1. Act 4, Scene 1 Characters: The three witches, Hecate, Macbeth, and Lennox Setting: A cavern, Night - A visually stunning scene. - Macbeth returns to the witches to see if he can learn more “Beware Macduff” about his future. -They show him four apparitions (a departure from their earlier way of communicating with him). “Macbeth shall never vanquish’d be until Great Birnhame Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him.”

2. Act 4, Scene 1, continued Characters: The three witches, Hecate, Macbeth, Lennox Setting: A cavern, Night Macbeth is quick to either believe or dismiss the messages of each apparition as it suits him. He is angry and paranoid. Lennox enters and informs Macbeth that Macduff has fled to England, presumably to prepare for war against Macbeth. Macbeth vows to fight and to slaughter Macduff and his family. Banquo’s line of Kings

3. Act 4, Scene 2 Characters: Lady Macduff, Ross, Macduff’s young son, a messenger, a murderer Setting: Fife, Macduff’s castle Lady Macduff opens this scene discussing the disarray in Scotland and (surprise) attacking her husband’s masculinity. Why has he fled and left them alone? Macbeth carries out his most heinous deed so far. He murders Macduff’s defenseless family for no discernable reason. At this point it becomes nearly impossible for the audience to sympathize with Macbeth.

4. Act 4, Scene 3 Characters: Macduff, Malcolm, Ross, Doctor Setting: England, King Edward’s castle The longest scene in the play. It is the only scene not in Scotland, and it exudes peace and order. England is depicted as a place of Christianity and goodness. A stark contrast to the chaos and wickedness gripping Scotland. Macduff arrives in England to meet with Malcolm. They are both wary, and test each other to see if either is loyal to Macbeth. They eventually determine that they are united against Macbeth. Much of this scene is spent extolling the virtues of England and King Edward the confessor. Ross arrives and informs Macduff that his entire family has been slain, Macduff swears to seek revenge against Macbeth.