Act 4, Scene 1Characters: The three witches, Hecate, Macbeth, and LennoxSetting: 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 (adeparture 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.”

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Act 4, Scene 1, continuedCharacters: The three witches, Hecate, Macbeth, LennoxSetting: 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

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Act 4, Scene 2Characters: Lady Macduff, Ross, Macduff’s young son,

a messenger, a murdererSetting: 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.

Act 4, Scene 3Characters: Macduff, Malcolm, Ross, DoctorSetting: 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.

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