Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Macbeth Act IV Notes

The three witches seem to be gathered around a cauldron saying chants/spells. They put in random, wierd ingredients: "Scale of dragon, tooth of wolf, witches' mummy, maw and gulf." 
Hectate enters then leaves stating, "oh well done!"
Macbeth appears (because of the spell?) and demands to know what is going on.
"Thunder" represents a sudden, quick entrance. Hectate and first apparition both enter then leave shortly after having delivered important info as well as the second and the third apparition.
First apparition appears and warns Macbeth of Macduff and the thane of Fife. 
Second apparition appears (bloody child) stating that a woman will not threaten his throne.
Macbeth declares Macduff must be killed.
Third apparition appears, a child with a crown, states that Macbeth will not be threatened until the Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill appears. 
The witches then show eight kings, last is the ghost of Banquo. Macbeth immediately questions the meaning and the witches do not really answer him and disappear. 
Macbeth asks if Lennon saw the wierd sisters, claims he didn't. He gives news of Macduff fleeing to England. Macbeth claims that Macduff and those associated with him need to be killed. 
Lady Macduff questions to Ross why Macduff has "fly the land." 
Lady Macduff tells the son that his father is dead. He replies that he'll "act as birds do." He questions if his dad is a traitor but he questions the validity of it. 
Messenger arrives with news of danger. Murdets arrive asking the whereabouts of Macduff and stab the son after he exclaims that the murderers are lying when claiming his father as a traitor.
Malcolm and Macduff discuss the future of Scotland. After conversing, Malcolm trusts Macduff as an ally. Ross arrives with news that at first his family is safe but then tells the truth that they are dead. Malcolm is in shock and upset at first but then seems angry. 


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