Discuss the irony of the witches’ statement that “Something wicked this way come.”
The irony of this line is that the witches are calling Macbeth “wicked,” when in reality, they are the ones who are “wicked.” To some extent, Macbeth’s wickedness can be blamed upon the witches’ prophecies. The witches have fueled Macbeth’s wickedness by plaguing him with false hopes. The dramatic irony of this situation is that the audience (and the witches) are aware that Macbeth will be exposed to more evil deeds (or wickedness) after this encounter with the witches. However, Macbeth is definitely not aware of this.
What further evidence is there in this scene that Macbeth has become totally wicked?
The first evidence of Macbeth’s increasing wickedness is apparent when he insists the witches to answer his questions. His lines indicate pure evil:
“I conjure you by that which you profess— Howe’er you come to know it—answer me. Though you untie the winds and let them fight/ Against the churches, though the yeasty waves/ Confound and swallow navigation up/ Though bladed corn be lodged and trees blown down, Though castles topple on their warders’ heads. Even till destruction sicken, answer me. To what I ask you.”
(4.1.50-60)
Macbeth is saying that he doesn’t care if the witches unleash violent winds that tear down churches, make foamy winds, overwhelm ships, send sailors to their death, make castles fall down on their inhabitants’ heads. He just wants to know his future and wants the witches to answer his questions. His evilness is definitely obvious in this sentence.
Macbeth’s evilness and wickedness is also apparent in his reaction to the apparitions. When Macbeth realizes he shouldn’t be afraid of Macduff, he states that he will meet his “assurance double” by killing Macduff anyways.
Summarize the three prophecies that the apparitions give Macbeth. How does he react to them? What does this reveal about Macbeth’s state of mind? How does he react to the show of eight Kings?
The first apparition tells Macbeth to be aware of Macduff. Macbeth’s reaction shows that he was already aware of Macduff’s intentions and wasn’t shocked by it. His reaction was certain and calm. The second apparition tells Macbeth that none of woman born shall harm him. Macbeth is very happy by this information. This leads to some overconfidence. The third apparition tells Macbeth that he won’t be defeated unless an entire forest moves. Macbeth takes reassurance from this apparition as well. When he sees the eight Kings from Banquo’s line, Macbeth is confused, angry, furious, and clearly distressed. The witches visions renew Macbeth’s confidence in his future because the witches previous predictions appeared to work out so much in his favor. Macbeth does not stop to consider that these visions may be incomplete or misleading. Instead, he reacts irrationally and is blinded by his own arrogance. He thinks that last two apparitions assure his victory and blatantly ignores the first prophecy that emphasizes Macbeth to be aware of Macduff.
What dramatic purpose is served by the short scene between Lady Macduff and her son?
Lady Macduff’s troubled emotions result in a somewhat cruel conversation with her son in which she asks the child what he would do if his father were dead. The child asks if his father is a traitor, and the mother says that Macduff is a traitor because he swears and lies. Macduff may be a traitor to a false king, but he is loyal to the true monarchy, which is why he is away now. The son is again clever about the fate of traitors; he says those who cheat and lie far outnumber honest men, and so traitors should have no trouble defeating the honest men. This certainly has been the case in Macbeth so far. This scene allows the audience to understand how Macduff’s family feels about his sudden departure. It allows for one to have some background before the murders ensue.
In what significant ways does the murder of Macduff’s family differ from Macbeth’s previous crimes?
Macbeth murdered Duncan himself and the scenes represented his emotions and guilt quite often. In the murder of Banquo, Macbeth hired some murderers to carry out the task. However, in this murder, it seemed as if plans were made quite fast without much thought or consideration. The reason for the murder was unknown as well. (because Macduff’s murder would be more beneficial as he is his enemy. Fleance’s murder would also be more beneficial because he might be the next king according to the prophecies. The murder of Macduff’s family should be of little value and is very unnecessary.)
How does Malcolm test Macduff’s loyalty? This action of Malcolm’s serves to contrast him with his father. How so? What other comparisons can be made between Malcolm and Duncan?
Malcolm is desperate not to return to Scotland, spinning tales about his debauchery and greed to convince Macduff that he’s not fit to take up his father’s crown. Malcolm proceeds to put Macduff through an extensive test to see if he really is loyal to Scotland. Malcolm pretends to be excessively greedy and unfit to be King. When the murder of Macduff’s family is revealed, Malcolm’s trust in Macduff is verified. Duncan easily trusted Macbeth. However, his son is more cautious with who he trusts and does not make the same mistake as his father.
What lines in the scene reinforce the notion that Macduff will be Macbeth’s nemesis?
All of scene 3 is very significant as it portrays Macduff’s undying passion to save his country from a tyrant leader like Macbeth. Macduff left his family in order to meet Malcolm so they could defeat Macduff. His passion and courage indicates that Macduff will be Macbeth’s greatest nemesis.
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