Macbeth Study Questions Act 4 KEY
Scene 1
1. Why does Macbeth visit the witches again?
Macbeth visits the witches to learn more about his future and secure his
rule.
2. What does the Armed Head apparition warn Macbeth about?
The Armed Head warns Macbeth to beware of Macduff, confirming
Macbeth’s fears.
3. What does the Bloody Child apparition tell Macbeth, and how does
he interpret it?
The Bloody Child tells Macbeth that no man born of a woman will harm
him. Macbeth interprets this as meaning he is invincible.
4. What does the Crowned Child with a Tree apparition reveal to
Macbeth?
The Crowned Child with a Tree tells Macbeth he will not be defeated until
Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill. Macbeth sees this as impossible
and feels secure.
5. What vision do the witches show Macbeth when he asks about
Banquo’s descendants?
The witches show Macbeth a vision of eight kings, with Banquo’s ghost,
confirming that Banquo’s descendants will reign.
6. How do the witches manipulate Macbeth with their prophecies?
The witches manipulate Macbeth by giving him prophecies that seem
reassuring but are ambiguous, leading to overconfidence.
7. What decision does Macbeth make after Lennox informs him of
Macduff’s flight to England?
Macbeth decides to attack Macduff’s castle and kill his family to punish
Macduff and eliminate any potential threat.
8. What does Macbeth mean by “The very firstlings of my heart shall
be the firstlings of my hand”?
Macbeth means he will act on impulse without hesitation or moral
consideration, showing his complete moral decline.
Scene 2
Scene 1
1. Why does Macbeth visit the witches again?
Macbeth visits the witches to learn more about his future and secure his
rule.
2. What does the Armed Head apparition warn Macbeth about?
The Armed Head warns Macbeth to beware of Macduff, confirming
Macbeth’s fears.
3. What does the Bloody Child apparition tell Macbeth, and how does
he interpret it?
The Bloody Child tells Macbeth that no man born of a woman will harm
him. Macbeth interprets this as meaning he is invincible.
4. What does the Crowned Child with a Tree apparition reveal to
Macbeth?
The Crowned Child with a Tree tells Macbeth he will not be defeated until
Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane Hill. Macbeth sees this as impossible
and feels secure.
5. What vision do the witches show Macbeth when he asks about
Banquo’s descendants?
The witches show Macbeth a vision of eight kings, with Banquo’s ghost,
confirming that Banquo’s descendants will reign.
6. How do the witches manipulate Macbeth with their prophecies?
The witches manipulate Macbeth by giving him prophecies that seem
reassuring but are ambiguous, leading to overconfidence.
7. What decision does Macbeth make after Lennox informs him of
Macduff’s flight to England?
Macbeth decides to attack Macduff’s castle and kill his family to punish
Macduff and eliminate any potential threat.
8. What does Macbeth mean by “The very firstlings of my heart shall
be the firstlings of my hand”?
Macbeth means he will act on impulse without hesitation or moral
consideration, showing his complete moral decline.
Scene 2
