The Tragedy of Macbeth teacherweb麦克白的悲剧teacherweb.pptVIP

Act 4, Scene 2 Lady Macduff wonders why her husband has abandoned her and gone so hastily to England. She observes that “even when our actions are not traitorous, our fear can make us look like traitors (lines 3-4).” Regardless of her husband’s true intent, Lady Macduff tells her friend Ross that he has betrayed her and his children… and that he may, in fact be a coward. Lady Macduff and all of her children are brutally murdered in their undefended castle by Macbeth’s henchmen. Act 4, Scene 3 Macduff meets with Malcolm in England. Malcolm confides in Macduff that he (Malcolm) is lustful and greedy. Malcolm wonders if Macduff could support his right to the throne knowing that his evils would make Macbeth look “white as snow” and “innocent as a lamb.” At first, Macduff reassures Malcolm, suggesting that no one can be as evil as Macbeth has been in his short reign. Soon, though, Macduff admits that not only is Malcolm not fit to be king, he’s not fit to live! (103-4) Malcolm confesses that he was only testing Macduff’s loyalty. Malcolm is pleased that Macduff has shown himself to be loyal to Scotland, NOT JUST to whoever happens to be on Scotland’s throne. Act 5, Scene 1 Lady Macbeth’s maid has summoned a doctor to try to cure Lady Macbeth of sleepwalking. The doctor observes that Lady Macbeth’s seeming wakefulness but absolute unawareness of anything happening around her is quite unnatural (Remember: “Macbeth has murdered sleep” – II, ii, 35). Lady Macbeth mentions the murders of Duncan, Banquo, and Macduff. All the while she scrubs her hands, trying to wash away imaginary blood that her guilt causes her to see. “Out, damned spot!”( V, i, 27). This reminds us of what Macbeth says in Act II (Can all great Neptune’s ocean wash [Duncan’s blood] from my hands?” (ii, 58-9). Lady Macbeth replies (ironically) that “A little water will clear us of this [bloody] deed.” (II, ii, 66-7). Act 5, Scene 2 English soldiers along with Malcolm and Macduff have assembled near Macbeth’s