Summary of act 4 scene 2 macbeth

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Summary of act 4 scene 2 macbeth

In Macduff 's castle in Fife, Lady Macduff comforts and is comforted by her young son, who displays a courage beyond his years when confronted with the possibility that his father has turned traitor. Although warned by the Thane of Ross to escape before it is too late, Lady Macduff is encountered by Macbeth 's henchmen, who brutally kill first her child and as the audience learns in the following scene her. This scene and the next should be considered together, for both deal with the question of treachery and loyalty, and both consider the nature of genuine courage, as opposed to the arrogant bravado of Macbeth. Here is a woman apparently abandoned by her husband. She has been left to fend for her children like a mother bird in the nest. Even the tiny wren would show more spirited defense of her own family against a predator than Macduff has done, she argues. Her conclusion can be only that her husband "wants the natural touch" — that is, he lacks human kindness. It's interesting to hear in this phrase an ironic echo of the words of Lady Macbeth , who accused her husband of having precisely too much of "the milk of human kindness. Ross' speech diverts Lady Macduff's justifiable anger away from her husband, whom he calls "noble, wise, judicious," toward the cruelty of the circumstances in which the country as a whole finds itself. Left on their own, Lady Macduff and her son converse further on the subject of her husband's loyalty. The entry of another messenger increases the urgency of the scene.

The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of every Shakespeare play. King Duncan has made Macbeth Thane of Cawdor for his loyalty and bravery.

Exit Ross. Enter Messenger. As the scene opens, Ross has already told Lady Macduff that her husband has fled from Scotland, and she is already extremely upset. She exclaims, "What had he done, to make him fly the land? She means that her husband has done nothing traitorous, but running away from Scotland makes it look like he has. Still trying to calm her down, Ross says that she doesn't know whether it was wisdom or fear that made her husband go to England. Ross is suggesting that Macduff's wisdom made him go, but Lady Macduff declares that it must have been his fear.

What had he done to make him fly the land? You must have patience, madam. He had none. His flight was madness. When our actions do not, Our fears do make us traitors. He had no patience. To run away was insane. Even if we're not actually traitors, our fears of being accused of treason can make us seem like traitors. You know not Whether it was his wisdom or his fear.

Summary of act 4 scene 2 macbeth

In Macduff 's castle in Fife, Lady Macduff comforts and is comforted by her young son, who displays a courage beyond his years when confronted with the possibility that his father has turned traitor. Although warned by the Thane of Ross to escape before it is too late, Lady Macduff is encountered by Macbeth 's henchmen, who brutally kill first her child and as the audience learns in the following scene her. This scene and the next should be considered together, for both deal with the question of treachery and loyalty, and both consider the nature of genuine courage, as opposed to the arrogant bravado of Macbeth. Here is a woman apparently abandoned by her husband. She has been left to fend for her children like a mother bird in the nest. Even the tiny wren would show more spirited defense of her own family against a predator than Macduff has done, she argues. Her conclusion can be only that her husband "wants the natural touch" — that is, he lacks human kindness. It's interesting to hear in this phrase an ironic echo of the words of Lady Macbeth , who accused her husband of having precisely too much of "the milk of human kindness. Ross' speech diverts Lady Macduff's justifiable anger away from her husband, whom he calls "noble, wise, judicious," toward the cruelty of the circumstances in which the country as a whole finds itself. Left on their own, Lady Macduff and her son converse further on the subject of her husband's loyalty.

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Terms Privacy Privacy Request. Do you think he manages to disguise his guilt? She tells the boy that his father is dead. Complete your free account to access notes and highlights. This is an important lesson for Malcolm to learn if he is to be a judicious, honest, and compassionate king. Next Act 4, scene 3. She's already at home; if she's not safe there, she's not safe anywhere. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. The doctor has watched Lady Macbeth for two nights and she has not walked in her sleep. Free trial is available to new customers only. Perhaps their prophecies are constructed to wreak havoc in the minds of the hearers, so that they become self-fulfilling. He has just arrived from Scotland, and tells Macduff that his wife and children are well. Read more about the difference between kingship and tyranny as a theme. SparkTeach Teacher's Handbook.

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Macduff's son is wise beyond his years, noting that those who put themselves above society far outnumber those who put the common good above their own selfish ambitions. The main thing to remember is that a child is murdered before our eyes. Macbeth has sent murderers to kill Banquo and his son Fleance. Renews March 11, March 4, Help us by taking a short survey — it will only take a few minutes and will help us make the Shakespeare Learning Zone even better for everyone. Thank You! You'll also receive an email with the link. Start your 7-day FREE trial now! If we see all of this -- if only in our mind's eye -- it can make our stomachs churn and teach us the full force of Macbeth's evil. Before Lady Macduff or her children can run, murderers enter the chamber, stab Macduff's son , and chase Lady Macduff offstage. Ross and Angus arrive to tell Macbeth that he has been given the title Thane of Cawdor by Duncan to thank him for his valiant efforts in the battle. Themes All Themes. He urges Malcolm to return to his country, listing the woes that have befallen Scotland since Macbeth took the crown.