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Macbeth Essay

analytical Essay
554 words
554 words
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Instructions: Answer all questions. Use your copy of the play to back up your answers with direct quotation where possible. Use the first answer as a guide to your answers. You must type your answers. (17 points).

ACT IV

1. Who is preparing to invade Scotland? (2)
The English army under Edward I is preparing to invade. This is the result of Malcolm’s having fled there. In Act III a Lord tells Lennox, “The son of Duncan . . ./ Lives in the English court, and is receiv’d/ Of the most pious Edward with such grace . . .”
Later on he tells Lennox that Macduff has also fled there and is trying to “wake Northumberland and warlike Siward” (IV.i) to come and rescue Scotland from Macbeth’s curse.

2. What are the witches doing at the opening of the Act? (2)
At the beginning of Act 4, the witches are making some kind of potion while they wait for Macbeth. When Macbeth gets there, he wants the witches to tell him what his future holds.

3. While Macbeth is speaking to the witches, three apparitions appear. List the apparitions and the statements/prophecies given by each one. (6)
First, was a...

In this essay, the author

  • Explains how to answer all questions. use your copy of the play to back up your answers with direct quotation where possible.
  • Analyzes how macbeth's determination enhances when the witches give him the title of thane of cawdor, which was the second prophecy.
  • Analyzes how the witches present an image of a ghostly procession of future kings, led by banquo, which serves only to enrage macbeth, who trusts in his pride, reveals his determination to slaughter the family of macduff.
  • Analyzes how macbeth says he will attack macduff's castle, take hold of the town of fife, and kill his wife and children and anyone else who stands in line for his inheritance.
  • Analyzes how lady macbeth considers her husband a traitor, and tells his son that he's dead.
  • Explains that the english army under edward i is preparing to invade. this is the result of malcolm’s having fled there.
  • Analyzes how macbeth wants the witches to tell him what his future holds. three apparitions appear while he is speaking to them, including an armed head and a bloody child.
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