Macbeth Act 4 Worksheet

Key Terms Summary

Witches: supernatural beings who prophesize Macbeth's future.

Hecate: the goddess of witchcraft who plans to corrupt Macbeth.

Murderers: hired by Macbeth to kill Banquo and his son Fleance.

Banquo's Ghost: the ghost of Banquo haunts Macbeth and shows his guilt.

Short Questions

1. Who are the three witches?
2. Why does Macbeth hire murderers?
3. What does Macbeth see at the banquet?
4. Who becomes the new king in Act 4?

Quotation Analysis

"By the pricking of my thumbs, Something wicked this way comes." - Second Witch

1. Who speaks this line?
2. What is the significance of "pricking of my thumbs"?
3. What does "wicked" refer to?

Research Task

Research the historical and social context of Shakespeare's Macbeth. How does the play reflect the political climate of the time?