How Does Shakespeare Present Macbeth In Act 4

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Act 4, in Shakespeare’s Macbeth displays many acts of fear and revenge that further the plot. This shows characterization through dialogue and actions. Furthermore, actions and speeches portray and define characters
In the opening scene of act 4, Macbeth meets with the witches. The witches are still scheming -now alongside Hecate- they continue to present Macbeth with false apparitions when he seeks them out for advice. Macbeth tells the witches “Tell me, thou unknown power-”(1.4.75). This shows that Macbeth is in constant fear of his crown being overthrown. He goes to the three witches because he is desperate and seeks advice and security. This act of seeking advice characterizes him as a guiltful leader who fears his surroundings and the people in it because of all the past murders he has committed. Act four, scene two of Macbeth; Ross tells Macduff’s family about Macduff’s sudden flee to England from Scotland. However, Lady Macduff is upset because she thinks that Macduff has left their family. Ross hints at Macduff leaving for another reason by saying, “ I pray you, school yourself. But for your husband, he is noble, wise, judicious, and best knows the fits o’th’ season” (4.2.18-20). …show more content…
At first sight of Macduff, Malcolm is suspicious because he thinks that Macduff is still loyal to Macbeth because Macbeth has not hurt Macduff’s family yet. However, Macduff and Malcolm were unaware of Macbeth’s recent actions towards Macduff’s family. To test his loyalty Malcolm puts on a act by saying when he becomes king he will be way worse than Macbeth and would do things like “...cut off the nobles for their lands, desire his jewels and this other’s house” (4.3.90-92). This can characterize Malcolm as someone who still fears for his life since his father’s murder. Also, this shows that he does want to overtake Scotland but only alongside the people he can
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