Chapter 4
ACT IV SCENE I – A dark cave. The three witches, joined briefly by Hecate, chant a grotesque brew and chant “Double, double…”. Macbeth enters, demanding knowledge of his future. The witches summon three apparitions: (1) a disembodied head warning “Beware Macduff”; (2) a bloody child proclaiming that “no man born of woman shall harm Macbeth”; (3) a crowned child with a tree declaring that Macbeth will not be defeated until Birnam Wood moves to Dunsinane. Macbeth, emboldened, asks whether Banquo’s line will ever rule Scotland; the witches refuse further answers. He then threatens the witches, demanding their silence, and the apparitions vanish. After the witches exit, Lennox arrives. Macbeth learns from Lennox that Macduff has fled to England. enraged, Macbeth vows to strike at Macduff’s castle, ordering the slaughter of his wife, children, and all his retainers.
ACT IV SCENE II – Macduff’s castle in Fife. Lady Macduff and her young son are visited by Ross, who tries to console her about her husband’s flight. Their conversation reveals her anguish and the moral confusion of the times. A messenger warns her of danger, urging her to flee. Shortly after, murderers sent by Macbeth arrive, interrogate Lady Macduff about her husband’s whereabouts, and, after a brief exchange, kill her son and Lady Macduff herself. The scene ends with Lady Macduff’s desperate cries as the murderers depart.
ACT IV SCENE III – England, before the King’s palace. Malcolm and Macduff arrive. Malcolm first feigns self‑interest, boasting of potential vices if he were king, to test Macduff’s loyalty. After a lengthy rhetorical exchange, Macduff declares his devotion to Scotland and his hatred of Macbeth. They resolve to raise an army, aided by English forces under Siward. Ross then enters with the shocking news that Macduff’s castle has been attacked and his wife and children slaughtered. Macduff is devastated; Malcolm urges him to channel his grief into vengeance. The three men pledge to march on Scotland, and the scene ends with their determination to overthrow Macbeth.