Study guide to Act IV of Shakespeare's "Macbeth".

This hardly covers everything in act 4 but it does have some insight and analysis of selected parts. It is notes, not a polished essay, so don't expect it to read like one. It is intended to be read by someone already familiar with the play, and might not make too much sense otherwise. Scene 1 Numbers seem important to the witches as they cast their spell. Maybe this shows how precise and deliberate they are with …

…made up entirely. Many people now seem to be ready to rise up against Macbeth, out of loyalty to King Duncan and despair at the current state of Scotland. Ross once again shows tact and respect for people's emotions when Macduff asks after his wife and children. Macduff reacts with limited sadness to the news of the massacre, and turns his emotions into a strong desire for revenge. Malcolm also is strongly inspired to fight.