Act 4 Scene 1

• What happens in Act 4 Scene 1 in Macbeth?

  Macbeth visits the witches to seek more prophecies about his future. Macbeth feels invincible but is disturbed by a vision of Banquo's descendants becoming kings. In anger, he decides to kill Macduff’s family. The scene ends with Ross informing Macduff that his family has been murdered, spurring Macduff’s desire for revenge.
• What does it mean when Macbeth says, 'secret, black, and midnight hags'?

  This is M referring to the witches and he believes he has power so now he is no longer afraid of the witches.
• What does it mean when the stage directions say, 'an Armed Head'?

  This means M will go to war again.
• What does it mean when the first witch says, 'a bloody child'?

  Macbeth will corrupt and destroy innocence.
• What does it mean when the stage direction says, 'a child crowned, with a tree in his hand'?

  This means innocents will always win.
• What does it mean when Macbeth says, 'I will be satisfied. Deny me this'?

  1. M believes he can control the witches.
  2. In reality the witches aren't helping M they're just controlling M.
• What does it mean when M says, 'His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line.'?

  1. 'his wife' means women are weak.
  2. 'his babes' means children are innocent and vulnerable.
  3. Macbeth accepts he's killing innocent people, and he doesn't care which shows he's evil.