Macbeth: Act Four

Scene 1

The witches are dancing and chanting around a cauldron, making a spell. Macbeth enters their cave, demanding that his questions be answered. The witches then decide to give him what he wants. Apparitions, this time, speak the prophecies. They are as follows: a head wearing a battle helmet, a blood-covered child, and a child wearing a crown and carrying a tree. The witched tell Macbeth to watch out for Macduff, that he will not be killed by anyone born of women, and that he need not worry until the Burnam Wood move towards his castle. As happened in the first predictions, the first was correct so Macbeth felt that his future was secure, but is still a bit worried about Banquo's descendants. The witches would not answer, danced around, and then disappeared.

Scene 2

In this scene, Lady Macduff is visited at her castle by her relative, Ross. He is trying to explain that the reason Macduff went to England was valid. She does believe her cousin, she feels that her and her children are very vulnerable, and her husband should be there. Then murderers come in just as Ross leaves, stab the child and pursue the screaming Lady Macduff.

Scene 3

Macduff arrives at the court of Edward the Confessor, King of England. Then he meets with Malcolm, and tries to convince him that they should prepare to attack Scotland. However, Malcolm does not trust Macduff, and is worried that he was sent there only to kill Malcolm. Malcolm tests Macduff by saying that he would be a much worse king than Macbeth, saying that he was corrupt, greedy, lecherous and vicious. Just as Macduff is ready to leave in disgust, Malcolm tells him the difference. Malcolm reveals that a force of 10,000 men is ready to invade Scotland. Everyone is happy. Then Ross arrives from Scotland and speaks of worsening news. When asked about his family, Macduff was horrified to hear of the murder of his family. He then vows that he will be the one to kill Macbeth.