What three things does Macbeth learn from the witches and apparitions and how does he react to them?
To appease Macbeth’s begging, the witches summon three apparitions. The first apparition tells Macbeth to fear Macduff, the Thane of Fife. The second apparition tells Macbeth that no man born of woman (alive) can harm him. The third apparition tells Macbeth that he will never be beat until the Great Birnam Wood goes to Dunsinane Hill. Macbeth takes the meaning of these “prophecies” very literally. For example, after the second apparition’s message, Macbeth laughs and haughtily dismisses the first prophecy, saying “Then live, Macduff; what need I fear of thee?” (IV.1, 82). After the third apparition’s message, Macbeth scoffs and says that “That will never be,” for “Who can impress the forest, bid the tree Unfix his earthbound root?” (IV.1, 94-96).
To appease Macbeth’s begging, the witches summon three apparitions. The first apparition tells Macbeth to fear Macduff, the Thane of Fife. The second apparition tells Macbeth that no man born of woman (alive) can harm him. The third apparition tells Macbeth that he will never be beat until the Great Birnam Wood goes to Dunsinane Hill. Macbeth takes the meaning of these “prophecies” very literally. For example, after the second apparition’s message, Macbeth laughs and haughtily dismisses the first prophecy, saying “Then live, Macduff; what need I fear of thee?” (IV.1, 82). After the third apparition’s message, Macbeth scoffs and says that “That will never be,” for “Who can impress the forest, bid the tree Unfix his earthbound root?” (IV.1, 94-96).
How does Macbeth react to Macduff's departure? (Use concrete details.)
When Lennox tells Macbeth that Macduff fled to England, Macbeth is both surprised and angry. He says that whatever his heart wants to do, he will do it. Macbeth vows to do a surprise attack on Macduff’s castle and kill “His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls That trace him in his line,” as revenge (IV.2, 152-153). He chooses to do so partly because he is furious after the witches showed him an apparition with a parade of ghosts with crowns, one of them being Banquo.
What action is taken by Macduff and Malcolm in Act IV? (Use concrete details.)
Macduff and Malcolm decide to go to war against Macbeth with “Old Siward with ten thousand warlike men,” (IV.3, 135). Macduff is extremely angry with Macbeth and his usurping of Scotland’s crown; even after Ross comes with the news that Macduff’s entire family has been slaughtered, Malcolm’s determination leads Macduff to turn his grief into fury against Macbeth when he (Malcolm) says, “Be this the whetstone of your sword. Let grief Convert to anger; blunt not the heart, enrage it,” (IV.3, 230-231).
peace&blessings, Maria(:
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