Macbeth Act 4: Scenes 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Summary

Act 4: Scene 1

• Setting: A dark cavern with a bubbling cauldron.
• Characters: The three witches, Hecate, Macbeth.
• Events:
  • Witches chant and add bizarre ingredients to the cauldron.
  • Hecate praises the witches.
  • A witch predicts Macbeth's arrival: "Something wicked this way comes."
  • Macbeth enters, seeking truth about the witches' prophecies.
  • Apparitions reveal predictions:
    • Floating Head: Warns Macbeth to beware Macduff.
    • Bloody Child: Says no one born of a woman will harm Macbeth.
    • Crowned Child with Tree: Says Macbeth is safe until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill.
    • Procession of Kings: Banquo’s ghost appears, indicating his descendants will be kings.
  • Witches vanish after a dance, leaving Macbeth unsettled.
  • Lennox informs Macbeth that Macduff has fled to England.
  • Macbeth decides to attack Macduff's castle and kill his family.

Act 4: Scene 2

• Setting: Macduff's castle.
• Characters: Lady Macduff, Ross, her son, a messenger, murderers.
• Events:
  • Lady Macduff questions Ross about her husband's flight.
  • Ross suggests trust in Macduff’s judgment and leaves.
  • A messenger warns Lady Macduff of approaching danger.
  • Murderers enter, denounce Macduff, and kill his son.
  • Lady Macduff flees but is pursued by the murderers.

Act 4: Scene 3

• Setting: Outside King Edward's palace.
• Characters: Malcolm, Macduff, Ross, Doctor.
• Events:
  • Malcolm tests Macduff’s loyalty by falsely presenting himself as unfit to rule.
  • Macduff laments for Scotland, proving his loyalty.
  • Malcolm reveals his true qualities and intentions.
  • A doctor mentions King Edward's healing powers.
  • Ross arrives from Scotland with news.
  • Initial false assurance of Macduff’s family’s safety.
  • Ross reveals the murder of Macduff’s family by Macbeth.
  • Macduff, devastated, vows revenge against Macbeth.

Analysis

• Witches’ Role: Vaguely absurd yet sinister, they may represent fate or influence human actions through prophecy.

• Prophecies:

  • Often self-fulfilling due to the psychological impact on Macbeth.
  • The prophecy of Birnam Wood foreshadows the army's approach using branches.

• Symbolism of Apparitions:

  • Armored Head: Suggests impending conflict and rebellion.
  • Bloody Child: Alludes to Macduff's unique birth.
  • Crowned Child: Symbolizes Malcolm and the moving of Birnam Wood.

• Themes:

  • Kingship vs. Tyranny:
    • Macbeth’s reign is marked by madness and lack of moral legitimacy.
    • Malcolm and Macduff embody a noble opposition, motivated by love for Scotland.
  • Manhood:
    • Macduff counters the aggressive idea of manhood by advocating for sensitivity and feeling grief.
    • Influences Malcolm’s development into a compassionate leader.

• Significance:

  • Illustrates the futility and destructiveness of Macbeth’s actions driven by prophecies and unchecked ambition.
  • Highlights the moral and emotional dimensions of leadership through Malcolm and Macduff’s interactions.
  • Reinforces the idea of justice and retribution as intrinsic to the order of the play.