Macbeth Plot Summary - Act Four
Bookmark this page

Act 4

Scene 1

The witches are dancing and chanting around a cauldron, making a spell. Macbeth enters thier cave, demanding that his questions be answered. The witches then decide to give him what he wants. The prophecies, this time, are spoken by appartions. They are as follows: a head wearing a battle helmet, a blood-covered child, and a child wearing a crown and carrying a tree. The witched tell Macbeth to watch out for Macduff, that he will not be killed by anyone born of women, and that he need not worry untill the Burnam Wood move towards his castle. As happened in the first predictions, the first was correct so Macbeth felt that his future was secure, but is still a bit worried about Banquo's decendents. The witches would not answer, danced around, then disapeared.

Scene 2

In this scene, Lady Macduff is visited at her castle by her relative, Ross. He is trying to explain that the reason Macduff went to England was valid. She does beleive her cousin, she feels that her and her children are very vulnerable, and her husband should be there. Then murderers come in just as Ross leaves, stab the child and pursue the screaming Lady Macduff.

Scene 3

Macduff arives at eh court of Edward the Confesser, King of England. Then he meets with Malcolm, and tries to convince him that they should prepare to attack Scotland. But Malcolm does not trust Macduff, and is worried that he was sent there only to kill Malcolm. Malcolm tests Macduff by saying that he would be a much worse king than Macbeth, saying that he was corrupt, greedy, lecherous and vicious. Just as Macduff is ready to leave in discust, Malcolm tells him the difference. Malcolm reveals that a force of 10,000 men is ready to invade Scotland. Everyone is happy. Then Ross arives from Scotland and speaks of worsening news. When asked about his family, Macduff was horrified to hear of the murder of his family. He then vows that he will be the one to kill Macbeth.

Other Notes in this Category

1. A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Notes
2. Lord of the Flies : Attitudes toward the beast
3. Macbeth Plot Summary - Act Five
4. Macbeth Plot Summary - Act Four
5. Macbeth Plot Summary - Act One
6. Macbeth Plot Summary - Act Three
7. Macbeth Plot Summary - Act Two

Didn't find this useful?

• Visit Coursework.Info for over 14,000 GCSE, A-Level and University Essays