Act 4 – Macbeth | Long Answer Questions with Answers
Scene 1 – The Witches and Apparitions
Q1. Why does Macbeth visit the witches again?
Ans. Macbeth visits the witches because he has become restless and insecure
after Banquo’s ghost appeared at the banquet. His ambition drives him to seek
further knowledge of the future. He wants certainty about his throne and to know
whether Banquo’s descendants will truly inherit the crown. Unlike Act 1, when the
witches came to him, this time he actively seeks them, showing how deeply he has
fallen into dependence on their dark powers.
Q2. Describe the three apparitions shown to Macbeth. What warnings or messages
does each give him?
Ans.
1. First Apparition – An Armed Head: Warns Macbeth to beware of Macduff.
2. Second Apparition – A Bloody Child: Tells him that “none of woman born
shall harm Macbeth.”
3. Third Apparition – A Child Crowned, holding a tree: Promises that Macbeth
will not be vanquished until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane.
These messages give Macbeth a false sense of security.
Q3. How does Macbeth interpret the apparitions’ prophecies?
Ans. Macbeth interprets them in an overconfident and literal way. The second
apparition convinces him he is safe from all men, since every man is “born of a
woman.” The third makes him feel immortal because he believes a forest cannot
move. Thus, he feels invincible, ignoring the warnings hidden in riddles. This shows
his arrogance and blindness.
Q4. What is shown to Macbeth in the final vision, and why does it disturb him so
much?
Ans. The witches show him a line of eight kings, all resembling Banquo, with the
last one holding a mirror to suggest many more to come. Banquo’s ghost smiles at
Macbeth. This vision terrifies Macbeth because it proves the witches’ first
prophecy—that Banquo’s descendants, not Macbeth’s, will inherit the throne.
Despite all his murders, he realises he has secured the crown for Banquo’s heirs.
Q5. How does Macbeth’s reaction here show the change in his character since Act
1?
Ans. In Act 1, Macbeth was hesitant, fearful of sin, and needed Lady Macbeth’s
persuasion. By Act 4, he is bold, demanding answers from the witches, and even
threatens them when they hesitate. He interprets prophecies selfishly and resolves
instantly to murder Macduff’s family without hesitation. This transformation shows
how ambition and power have corrupted him completely.
Scene 2 – Macduff’s Castle
Q6. What do Ross and Lady Macduff discuss before the murderers arrive?
Ans. Ross tries to defend Macduff’s decision to flee to England, suggesting he
acted wisely. But Lady Macduff feels abandoned and betrayed, saying her husband
lacks natural affection and has left his family to danger. Their conversation
highlights the theme of loyalty and betrayal in the play.
Q7. How does Lady Macduff feel about her husband’s flight to England?
Ans. Lady Macduff feels angry and bitter. She believes Macduff has acted like a
coward, deserting his wife and children. She sees it as unnatural behaviour for a
husband and father. Her misunderstanding creates pathos, because the audience
knows Macduff left for noble reasons—to save Scotland.
Q8. What is the role of Lady Macduff and her son in this scene?
Ans. Lady Macduff and her son represent innocence and domestic harmony
destroyed by Macbeth’s tyranny. Their playful banter shows their closeness,
making their brutal murder more shocking. Dramatically, their deaths fuel
Macduff’s rage and motivate him to take revenge on Macbeth.
Q9. How is dramatic irony used in this scene?
Ans. Dramatic irony appears in Lady Macduff’s complaints. She accuses her
husband of cowardice and betrayal, while the audience knows Macduff is bravely
working to save Scotland. Similarly, her son jokes about traitors, not realising he
and his mother are moments away from being killed by Macbeth’s hired murderers.
This contrast intensifies the tragedy.
Scene 3 – England (Malcolm and Macduff)
Q10. Why is Malcolm at first suspicious of Macduff?
Ans. Malcolm fears that Macbeth may have sent Macduff to trap him. Since
Macduff once served Macbeth, Malcolm doubts his loyalty. Given the treacherous
world they live in, Malcolm’s suspicion is reasonable, showing his caution and
wisdom.
Q11. How does Malcolm test Macduff’s loyalty?
Ans. Malcolm pretends to be more evil than Macbeth, claiming he is lustful, greedy,
and unfit to rule. He says he would destroy Scotland if crowned. This is a deliberate
test to see if Macduff still supports him.
Q12. What faults does Malcolm claim to have? Why does he pretend this?
Ans. Malcolm claims to have three main vices:
• Lust, greater than that of all kings before him.
• Greed, so strong he would steal nobles’ lands.
• A complete lack of virtues needed for kingship.
He pretends this to test Macduff’s sincerity and ensure Macduff truly loves
Scotland more than personal gain.
Q13. How does Macduff prove his loyalty to Scotland?
Ans. When Malcolm describes himself as corrupt, Macduff cries out that Scotland
is doomed if Malcolm is king. He says he has lost hope and declares despair for his
country. This heartfelt reaction convinces Malcolm that Macduff is genuine, loyal,
and patriotic.
Q14. How does Ross’s news affect Macduff?
Ans. Ross tells Macduff that his wife and children have been slaughtered by
Macbeth’s order. At first, Macduff is shocked and speechless. Then grief
overwhelms him, and finally, he turns his sorrow into burning anger. This moment
transforms him into Macbeth’s nemesis, determined to take revenge.
Q15. What is Macduff’s final vow at the end of the scene?
Ans. Macduff vows to confront Macbeth personally. He says he will let grief
sharpen his sword, not weaken him. His final words, “O, I could play the woman
with mine eyes,” show his refusal to give in to weakness. Instead, he dedicates
himself to avenging his family and liberating Scotland from tyranny.
