Macbeth: Act 4 – Reasoning Q&A (20+ Questions)

Complete the following sentences by providing a brief reason. Do not repeat the question.

1. The witches brew a potion and summon apparitions for Macbeth because __________

2. The first apparition warns Macbeth to beware Macduff because __________

3. Macbeth misinterprets the prophecy "none of woman born shall harm Macbeth" because __________

4. The vision of Birnam Wood coming to Dunsinane seems impossible to Macbeth because __________

5. Macbeth feels reassured by the prophecies despite warnings because __________

6. Macbeth decides to murder Macduff's family immediately after the prophecies because __________

7. Lady Macduff feels betrayed by her husband's flight to England because __________

8. Lady Macduff refuses to believe that her husband's absence means he has abandoned her because __________

9. The murderers kill Lady Macduff and her children without hesitation because __________

10. Macduff's young son argues with the murderers before being killed because __________

11. Macduff is in England with Malcolm instead of protecting his family because __________

12. Malcolm initially distrusts Macduff in Scene 3 because __________

13. Malcolm pretends to have evil vices and an unfit character because __________

14. Malcolm reveals his true virtuous nature only after Macduff proves his loyalty because __________

15. Ross brings news of Macduff's family's murder to England because __________

16. Macduff transforms his grief into a desire for revenge rather than despair because __________

17. Malcolm will bring ten thousand English soldiers to Scotland because __________

18. The apparitions' prophecies, while true, are misleading to Macbeth because __________

19. Act 4, Scene 2 shows the worst of Macbeth's tyranny because __________

20. Macduff's family's murder is significant beyond the personal tragedy because __________

21. The line of Banquo's heirs shown by the witches angers Macbeth because __________

Answer Key

i) Macbeth has demanded knowledge of his future and security; the witches, through Hecate's instruction, plan to give him false confidence that will lead to his destruction.

ii) Macduff is the only threat Macbeth truly fears; the armed head foreshadows that Macduff will be the instrument of Macbeth's downfall. 

iii) He takes the prophecy literally, believing that since all humans are born of women, no one can harm him; he does not understand that the prophecy contains hidden meaning.

iv) It seems impossible for a forest of trees to move; forests are rooted and immobile, so to Macbeth this prophecy appears to guarantee his safety forever.

v) He chooses to interpret the prophecies in a way that supports his desires for security; he believes the prophecies promise his invincibility rather than warning of hidden dangers.

vi) He learns that Macduff has fled to England and wants to ensure Macduff cannot oppose him; also, murdering Macduff's family might lure Macduff back to Scotland or prevent Macduff's successful alliance with Malcolm.

vii) He abandoned his family without explanation or consultation, leaving her unprotected in a dangerous situation when Macbeth is seeking to eliminate potential threats.

viii) She argues that her husband must have good reasons and trusts his judgment; also, she cannot believe he would truly abandon those he loves.

ix) They are following Macbeth's direct orders to murder Macduff's family; they are soldiers who obey commands without hesitation, and Macbeth's authority makes them willing to commit this atrocity.

x) He is innocent and does not yet understand the danger he faces; also, he is defending his family's honor by calling the murderer a liar, showing courage despite his youth.