Question

1. (act iv, scene ii) how does macduff’s son know his father is not dead?
2. (act iv, scene ii) what is the messenger’s warning?
3. (act iv, scene ii) what happened to macduff’s family?
4. (act iv, scene iii) malcolm is worried that macduff may have come to england in order to do what?
5. (act iv, scene iii) who does malcolm compare macbeth to when malcolm says “angels are bright still, though the brightest fell?”
6. (act iv, scene iii) what vices does malcolm say he possesses that makes him unfit for the throne?
7. (act iv, scene iii) how does macduff react to malcolm’s characterization of himself?
8. (act iv, scene iii) what was the point of malcolm lying to macduff?
9. (act iv, scene iii) describe the english king.
10. (act iv, scene iii) what does “where sighs and groans and shrieks that rend the air are made not mark’d” tell you about the situation in scotland?
11. (act iv, scene iii) in scene 3 what news does ross (eventually) deliver to macduff?
12. (act iv, scene iii) what does “i could play the woman with mine eyes” mean?
13. (act iv, scene iv) at the end of act iv, what has malcolm decided to do?
14. which scene was your favorite and why?
15. what do you predict will happen next?

Answer:

To answer these questions, we analyze each based on Macbeth's text:

Q16: How does Macduff’s son know his father is not dead?

Macduff’s son infers his father is alive because Macduff fled to England (for safety/justice), and a dead man wouldn’t flee. His son reasons, “If he were dead, he would not have left.”

Q17: What is the messenger’s warning?

In Act IV, Scene ii, the messenger warns Lady Macduff (and her son) to flee immediately, sensing danger (Macbeth’s men are coming to kill them).

Q18: What happened to Macduff’s family?

Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff’s wife and children (his entire family) in Act IV, Scene ii, as revenge for Macduff’s betrayal (fleeing to England).

Q19: Malcolm is worried Macduff may have come to England to do what?

Malcolm fears Macduff is a spy for Macbeth, sent to England to betray him (Malcolm) and help Macbeth retain power. He worries Macduff’s “loyalty” is a ruse to deliver him to Macbeth.

Q20: Who does Malcolm compare Macbeth to?

When Malcolm says, “Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell”, he compares Macbeth to a fallen angel (Lucifer/Satan). Macbeth was once “bright” (loyal, noble) but “fell” (turned evil, betrayed Scotland).

Q21: What vices does Malcolm say he has?

Malcolm falsely claims he has vices like greed, lust, and tyranny (e.g., “I am yet more sinful than Macbeth”). He does this to test Macduff’s loyalty: if Macduff still supports him despite these “flaws,” he is trustworthy.

Q22: How does Macduff react to Malcolm’s self - characterization?

Macduff is horrified and heartbroken. He laments that Scotland deserves a better king than a tyrant, and that Malcolm’s “vices” mean Scotland is doomed—showing his deep love for his country.

Q23: What was the point of Malcolm lying to Macduff?

Malcolm lied to test Macduff’s loyalty. He wanted to ensure Macduff was not a spy for Macbeth and truly wanted to overthrow Macbeth for Scotland’s good.

Q24: Describe the English king.

The English king (Edward the Confessor) is portrayed as holy and healing. He has the “touch” to cure scrofula (a disease), symbolizing his piety and divine right to rule—contrasting with Macbeth’s tyranny.

Q25: What does “where sighs and groans and shrieks that rend the air are made not mark’d” tell you about Scotland?

This line describes Scotland under Macbeth’s rule as a place of suffering. Sighs, groans, and shrieks (from oppression, violence) are so common they go “unmarked” (ignored), showing widespread misery and lawlessness.

Q26: What news does Ross deliver to Macduff?

Ross tells Macduff that his wife and children (his entire family) have been murdered by Macbeth’s men.

Q27: What does “I could play the woman with mine eyes” mean?

Malcolm means he could cry (like a woman) over Macduff’s tragedy, but he must stay strong to avenge Scotland and Macduff’s family. He suppresses his emotions to focus on action.

Q28: At the end of Act IV, what has Malcolm decided to do?

Malcolm decides to raise an army (with English support) to invade Scotland and overthrow Macbeth, avenging the country and Macduff’s family.

Q29: Which scene was your favorite and why?

(Subjective) Example: Act IV, Scene iii is favorite. It has intense dialogue (Malcolm’s test, Macduff’s grief), deepens character development, and sets up the final conflict. The emotional and political tension is gripping.

Q30: What do you predict will happen next?

Malcolm’s army will invade Scotland. Macbeth, overconfident from the witches’ prophecies, will be defeated. Malcolm will reclaim the throne, and Scotland will be restored to peace (though at great cost).

These answers draw from the text of Macbeth, analyzing plot, character, and theme.