Macbeth: 4.1,4.2, and 4.3 Instructions:Study 4.1,4.2, and 4.3 of Macbeth Be ready to discuss the following questions on __ 4.1 1.What does Macbeth's anxiety to see the witches show? 2. What are the first three apparition s to appear?What does each one tell Macbeth? 3.What is the final apparition?What does it signify? 4. Explair how Macbeth 's words to Lennox at the top of p . 68 contradict his actions with regard to the witches. 5.Why is it important that Macbeth learns of Macduff's whereabouts right after he meets with the witches? 6.What is Macbeth planning to do to Macduff?

**Macbeth Act 4, Scenes 1, 2, and 3 Analysis**<br /><br />**4.1**<br /><br />1. **Macbeth's anxiety to see the witches demonstrates his growing dependence on their prophecies and his increasing paranoia.** He's no longer content with the initial predictions; he craves more information and reassurance, even though their previous pronouncements have led him down a bloody path. This highlights his desperation and his loss of control over his own destiny.<br /><br />2. **The first three apparitions and their messages are:**<br /><br /> * **An armed head:** Warns Macbeth to "Beware Macduff." This is the most direct and immediate threat.<br /> * **A bloody child:** Tells Macbeth "none of woman born / Shall harm Macbeth." This gives Macbeth a false sense of security and invincibility.<br /> * **A crowned child holding a tree:** States that "Macbeth shall never vanquished be until / Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill / Shall come against him." This prophecy, like the second, seems impossible and further bolsters Macbeth's confidence.<br /><br />3. **The final apparition is a procession of eight kings, the last carrying a mirror, followed by the ghost of Banquo.** This signifies the long line of kings descended from Banquo, fulfilling the witches' earlier prophecy. It's a visual representation of everything Macbeth has lost and will never attain. The mirror emphasizes the endless nature of Banquo's lineage, further tormenting Macbeth.<br /><br />4. **Macbeth's words to Lennox at the beginning of 4.1 ("Went it not so?") feigning ignorance about the witches' location directly contradict his active pursuit of them.** He has just summoned them and anxiously awaits their pronouncements. This highlights his deceitful nature and the extent to which he is willing to lie to maintain appearances.<br /><br />5. **Learning of Macduff's flight to England immediately after the witches' prophecies is crucial because it connects the warning about Macduff with a concrete action Macbeth can take.** Macduff's absence confirms, in Macbeth's mind, the threat Macduff poses and fuels his desire for revenge. It pushes him towards the horrific act of murdering Macduff's family.<br /><br />6. **Enraged and paranoid, Macbeth plans to seize Macduff's castle and, most cruelly, murder his wife and children.** This marks a significant turning point in the play. Macbeth moves from acting out of perceived necessity (killing Duncan to gain the throne) to committing acts of pure, gratuitous violence. This act cements his descent into tyranny.<br /><br /><br />**4.2 & 4.3 (Key Points)**<br /><br />* **The murder of Lady Macduff and her son is a pivotal scene showcasing Macbeth's descent into utter depravity.** It's a brutal act of terrorism meant to punish Macduff and demonstrate Macbeth's power.<br />* **Lady Macduff's conversation with her son provides a poignant contrast to Macbeth's tyranny.** Their innocence highlights the injustice of their fate.<br />* **Macduff's reaction to the news of his family's murder fuels his desire for revenge and sets the stage for the final confrontation with Macbeth.** His grief and rage are palpable, and he vows to avenge their deaths.<br />* **Malcolm's testing of Macduff in 4.3 demonstrates his caution and his need to ensure Macduff's loyalty before joining forces against Macbeth.** This scene also provides insight into the qualities of a good leader and the dangers of unchecked ambition.<br /><br /><br />These points should provide a solid foundation for further discussion of these crucial scenes in *Macbeth*.<br />