Act Four

Act Four Analysis

Scene 1

• The Witches and Apparitions: The witches convene and conjure three apparitions which serve to deepen Macbeth’s delusions of invincibility.
• Deceptive Prophecies: The apparitions’ cryptic messages, despite appearing favourable, prefigure Macbeth’s downfall.
• Macbeth’s Cruelty: Macbeth resorts to annihilating Macduff’s innocent family, exhibiting his transition from a noble hero to a ruthless tyrant.

Scene 2

• Lady Macduff’s Anguish: Lady Macduff laments over her husband’s abandoning of his family, suggesting the impact of Macbeth’s tyranny on innocent lives.
• Murder of Macduff’s Family: Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff’s family, indicating the extreme extent of his paranoia and determination to secure his power.

Scene 3

• Malcolm’s Test: As a test of loyalty, Malcolm falsely degrades his character. Macduff’s denial of him accepting Scotland’s fate drives Malcolm to confess his deceit.
• Restoration of Order: Malcolm’s rightful claim combined with Macduff’s resolve provides a ray of hope for Scotland’s liberation from Macbeth’s tyranny.

Character Analysis

• Macbeth: Macbeth is shown to be a cold-blooded tyrant, ruling with fear and oblivious to the inevitability of his downfall depicted in equivocal prophecies.
• Macduff: Macduff’s anguish and righteous anger symbolise the pain Scotland endures, showing him as a potential saviour for the oppressed kingdom.

Themes Analysis

• Tyranny and Cruelty: Macbeth’s rule is marked by fear and violence – a stark contrast to the beloved King Duncan’s rule.
• Hope and Restoration: Malcolm and Macduff’s resolve bring a gleam of hope towards Scotland’s future freedom.

Symbolism

• Apparitions: Apparitions serve as false assurances that deepen Macbeth’s paranoia and escalate his barbarity.
• England as a Place of Sanctuary: Symbolising a potential source of just authority, England offers refuge to characters like Malcolm and Macduff, and it becomes a place where plans to restore Scotland begin.