| Macbeth Act IV Questions 1. The behavior and incantations of the witches in the first part of this act serve as a reminder of the ominous world in which the major action of the play takes place � a world produced by the surrender of Macbeth to his evil impulses. What are some of the details in the behavior and spells of the witches which contribute to this effect? 2. In what ways does Macbeth�s speech to the other witches calling on them to respond to his questions show the extent to which he has been driven to monomania (complete obsession with his own evil goals)? 3. Note carefully the first three apparitions which the witches conjure up, and the speeches which these apparitions utter. a. What is the exact nature of the apparition in each case? b. What statement does each apparition utter? c. What is the effect of these statements on Macbeth? 4. As a reader of the play, or as a member of the audience, would you be inclined to share Macbeth�s feelings of success on hearing these prophecies, or would you not? Explain. 5. Describe the fourth apparition that appears to Macbeth. (Note the details as Macbeth describes them in his speech. Scene 1, lines 123 � 135) What effect does this apparition have? How would you summarize the total effect of the four apparitions? 6. What news does Lennox bring to Macbeth? 7. Note Macbeth�s soliloquy on hearing this news. (lines 159 � 170) a. What change from Macbeth�s earlier character is indicated in the lines, �The very firstlings of my heart shall be / The firstlings of my hand�? b. How does the intention he expresses in the next lines about Macduff�s family indicate the extent of the change in his character? 8. What impressions of Macduff and of his wife do you get from her dialogue with Ross in Scene 2? 9. What impressions of Scotland under Macbeth�s rule do you get from Ross�s speech in Scene 2, lines 20 � 25? 10. In Scene 3, Macduff and Malcolm begin clearly to assume central roles in the play. a. What is the purpose of Macduff�s visit to Malcolm in England? b. Why does Malcolm hesitate to accept Macduff�s offer of assistance? c. How does Malcolm test Macduff�s honesty and integrity? 11. How is Macduff affected by Ross�s news about his family? What is revealed of his character? 12. What progress has been made in the campaign to overthrow Macbeth? 13. What is the meaning of Malcolm�s statement, �Macbeth / Is ripe for shaking�? |