Reading Journal - Act IV

Act IV – Scene I:

·         Macbeth vows to kill Macduff and his family

·         The apparition states that Macbeth should “Beware Macduff”, yet the witches don’t say why he should fear him.

·         Macbeth fully trusts them, even though he is without Lady Macbeth.

·         It is the first time that Macbeth seeks the witches, rather than them looking for him.

·         Loss of sanity?

·         He goes to see them – does he tease them, almost taunting them?

·         Macduff – rebellion – gone to England

·         Macbeth is ruthless to assert his dominance.

Act IV – Scene II:

·         Macduff’s wife and children are killed – it’s ironic because previous to their killing Macduff’s son and wife discuss good and evil.

·         Ross and Macduff’s wife talk about how Macduff has left for England – he does for the right reasons (to protect his family) however they still end up getting killed.

·         It’s the first time we see the orders being acted out because of Macbeth’s actions.

·         Its also the first time that we see children and wholly innocent characters die in such a brutal way.

·         Macbeth is quick to kill of the Macduff’s because of their threat to the throne.

Act IV – Scene III:

·         Malcolm tests Macduff’s loyalty.

·         Ironic – dramatic, Ross say’s Macduff’s wife and children and OK, yet later he tells Macduff that they are dead – this helps to justify his revenge.

·         Human impact and suffering at the hands of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, the first time we have seen the consequences of their actions.

·         Moral interpretation and stance? Human nature.

·         Killing of children and women signifies innocence?

·         The killing adds a human element to it.

·         Macduff’s guilt – he wasn’t there to protect his children – makes their death even sadder.