Act 4, Scene 1: Macbeth visits the witches to learn about his fate and receives several ominous prophecies.

Brief comment: This scene showcases Macbeth's increasing despera on and paranoia as he seeks guidance from the
witches once again.
Key quota ons:
"Double, double toil and trouble;/ Fire burn and cauldron bubble." (Lines 10-11)
"Macbeth! Macbeth! Macbeth! Beware Macduff;/ Beware the Thane of Fife. Dismiss me. Enough." (Lines 71-73)
"Be bloody, bold, and resolute; laugh to scorn/ The power of man, for none of woman born/ Shall harm Macbeth."
(Lines 79-81)
Analysis: The first quote sets a dark and foreboding tone, as the witches prepare their po on for Macbeth. The
second quote warns Macbeth of two specific threats to his power, causing him to become even more paranoid and
suspicious of those around him. The third quote gives Macbeth a false sense of security, as he believes that he
cannot be defeated by anyone born from a woman, which later proves to be his downfall.
Outside of the play, this scene reflects the idea that people o en seek guidance and reassurance from supernatural
forces, especially when they are desperate or facing a difficult situa on. It also highlights the danger of succumbing
to paranoia and suspicion, which can lead to destruc ve and violent behavior.

Act 4, Scene 2: Lady Macduff and her son are discussing the death of Macduff, Lady Macduff's husband, and the
possibility of his return.
Brief comment: This scene serves to develop the characters of Lady Macduff and her son, as well as to provide a
contrast to the Macbeths' rela onship and the theme of betrayal.
Key quota ons:
"He loves us not; he wants the natural touch." (Line 4)
"Then the liars and swearers are fools, for there are liars and swearers enough to beat the honest men and hang up
them." (Lines 25-27)
"He has killed me, mother. / Run away, I pray you!" (Lines 83-84)
Analysis: The first quote highlights the contrast between Macduff and Macbeth, as Macduff's lack of affec on for his
family stands in stark contrast to Macbeth's ini al devo on to his wife. The second quote suggests that honesty and
integrity are not always rewarded, which is a commentary on the corrupt nature of the society portrayed in the play.
The third quote foreshadows the danger that Lady Macduff and her son are in and serves to heighten the tension of
the scene.
Outside of the play, the scene reflects the idea that loyalty and family are important values, but they can also be a
source of vulnerability and weakness. It also highlights the theme of betrayal and the consequences that can come
from it.

Act 4, Scene 3: Malcolm and Macduff discuss their plan to overthrow Macbeth.
Brief comment: This scene sets the stage for the climax of the play as the main characters prepare for the final ba le
against Macbeth.
Key quota ons:
"Angels are bright s ll, though the brightest fell./ Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace,/ Yet grace
must s ll look so." (Lines 22-24)
"Oh, Scotland, Scotland!" (Line 257)
"Each new morn/ New widows howl, new orphans cry, new sorrows/ Strike heaven on the face" (Lines 255-257)
Analysis: The first quote is spoken by Malcolm and suggests that even the most evil beings can s ll appear good,
foreshadowing the decep on and betrayal that will occur later in the play. The second quote expresses Macduff's
grief for his country and the damage that Macbeth's rule has caused. The third quote shows the devasta ng effects
of Macbeth's ac ons on the innocent people of Scotland, highligh ng the consequences of unchecked ambi on and
power.
Outside of the play, the scene speaks to the idea that the ac ons of leaders can have a profound impact on the lives
of ordinary people, and that it is the responsibility of those in power to act in the best interests of their cons tuents.
It also reflects on the nature of good and evil and the ways in which individuals can be deceived or corrupted by
power.