Macbeth Act Four Scene Synopses

Scene 1: The witches chant and dance around a bubbling cauldron, brewing a spell. Macbeth enters their cave, demanding answers to his questions. This time, the three prophesies they give him are spoken by apparitions: a head wearing a battle helmet says to beware of Macduff; a blood-covered child tells him that he will not be killed by anyone born of a woman; and a child wearing a crown and carrying a tree tells him that he will only be defeated when the trees of Birnam Wood move toward his castle. As with the earlier prophecies, his knowledge that the first is correct convinces Macbeth that the next two must be valid. His new sense of security is weakened, however, when the witches show him a parade of apparition kings, which represent Banquo's offspring.

As Macbeth curses the witches in rage, they dance and disappear. Lennox enters the cave to tell Macbeth that messengers have brought news that Macduff has fled to the English court. Furious, Macbeth swears to kill Macduff's family.

Scene 2: Ross visits his relative Lady Macduff at her castle in Fife, hoping to assure her that Macduff's flight to England was for a valid reasons. She does not accept Ross's argument, for she and her children are now very vulnerable. After Ross leaves, Lady Macduff and her son discuss treason and she is amused by his intelligent comments. An unidentified messenger arrives to warn Lady Macduff of danger, but he comes too late. The murderers burst in, stab the child, and pursue the screaming Lady Macduff.

Scene 3: Macduff has arrived at the court of King Edward of England. He meets Malcolm, who tells Macduff he would be foolish to accept without question Macduff's appearance of loyalty. He then describes in vivid detail the kind of nasty king he would be: corrupt, greedy, lecherous and vicious. The horrified Macduff prepares to leave, convinced there is no hope for salvation for him or Scotland. Malcolm now knows his test has succeeded. Now that he trusts Macduff, he tells him the truth: he is none of the things he said about himself, but instead, virtuous, honest, loyal and ready to serve his country. He then tells Macduff that an army of 10,000 English soldiers is ready to invade Scotland.

Malcolm praises King Edward's piety and royal virtues, and tells Macduff of the king's ability to prophesy and heal people.

Ross arrives from Scotland and describes the worsening horrors in Scotland under evil Macbeth's rule. Though he avoids telling him at first, Ross finally breaks the news to Macduff of their murder. Macduff's overwhelming sorrow gradually gives way to a determination to confront and kill Macbeth.