One of Shakespeare's talents is the ability to create powerful , realistic characters in his plays. By analyzing the interactions between characters and exploring how those interactions affect the plot, we can understand the play better, and therefore, grasp the themes or messages as Shakespeare intended.
Andrew Zox, Cleo House Jr., and Eric Hissom as the Weird Sisters in Macbeth at the Folger Theatre in a 2008 co-production with Two River Theater Company. Photo by Carol Pratt, Folger Shakespeare Library.
ACT 4 VOCABULARY TERMS-(definitions taken from dictionary.com) potent pernicious exploits diminutive judicious disgrace prattler laudable appease avarice One of Shakespeare's talents is the ability to create powerful , realistic characters in his plays. By analyzing the interactions between characters and exploring how those interactions affect the plot, we can understand the play better, and therefore, grasp the themes or messages as Shakespeare intended.
Literary Terms to Know: (Add these to your Notes!) Main Characters: Those characters around which the plot revolves; generally a character can be considered a main character when the story would be considerable different if the character were not a part of the story. Subordinate Characters: supporting characters. They are not really important to the plot of the story. Conflict: A character or characters faces a struggle or challenge: Two types Internal and External Motive: The reason characters do what they do or make the choices they make. Influences: like people, characters can be influenced to behave a certain way. Characters can be influenced by another character, immediate situations, and background. While motive is the reason characters do what they do, a character's influences push the character either towards or away from his or her goals.
STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS ACT 4
Act IV 1. Witch 2 says, "By the pricking of my thumb, Something wicked this way comes." Who comes? 2. What is Macbeth's attitude towards the witches this time? 3. What four things did the witches show Macbeth? What does each show/say? What is Macbeth's reaction? 4. Macbeth says (about the witches), "Infected be the air whereon they ride, And damned all those that trust them!" What is Macbeth, in effect, saying about himself? 5. Where is Macduff? 6. Why does Macbeth have Macduff's family and servants killed? 7. Why does Lady Macduff's son say liars and swearers are fools? 8. Malcolm says, "Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell. Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace, Yet grace must still look so." What does that mean? 9. Macduff says, "Oh, Scotland, Scotland!" Why? 10. What news does Ross bring to Macduff?