Reference

Macbeth ACT ONE Scene One What mood/atmosphere is established at the beginning of the play? How? The beginning of the play establishes a dark, eerie, and mysterious tone. This is done by starting immediately with the mention of witches and them vaguely discussing their evil plans. Who do the witches plan to meet after the battle? The witches plan to meet Macbeth after the battle. What is the dramatic purpose of this scene? Explain. The dramatic purpose of this scene is to establish the tone in a mysterious way that hooks the reader/viewer. It additionally creates an immediate feeling of suspense and establishes a main antagonist. Why do the witches want to meet Macbeth? What is their plan? Scene Two 1. What qualities of (a) Duncan’s character, and (b) Malcolm’s character are brought out in their first appearance in the play? Provide textual support for your answer. Duncan seems like a generous king. He is overjoyed to hear the Sergeant speak of Macbeth’s and Banquo’s conquests. Malcolm is eager to congratulate Macbeth. Both seem to be very honorable and valiant men 2. What news is brought to King Duncan by the captain and Ross? What is his reaction to the news about the Thane of Cawdor? The news of Macbeth and Banquo being victorious against the worst odds. The thane of Cawdor is ordered to be executed and Macbeth is rewarded by gaining the title of thane. How does scene two introduce the absent Macbeth? It sets Macbeth up as brave, loyal, and committed to his king and country Scene Three What prophecies are given by the witches to Macbeth and Banquo? The three witches tell Macbeth that he is to become the new Thane of Cawdor and eventually king, and they tell Banquo that there will be kings within his family line, but that he will never become the king. 2. How could Banquo be “lesser than Macbeth and much greater” and “not so happy, yet much happier”? Explain. What term could be used to describe these phrases? This could be described as an oxymoron it is clear that the witches were implying that although Macbeth will acquire greater things, Banquo will inevitably be better off. 3. What examples are there of dramatic irony in this scene? Explain. The audience is aware that the witches have ill intent, whilst Macbeth and Banquo are unaware. 4. What qualities of Macbeth’s character are brought out in his first soliloquy? It is revealed that although excited about the idea of becoming king Macbeth is morally stressed as he knows that for him to become king something bad must happen to Duncan. Scene Four 1. How does the Thane of Cawdor die? How had King Duncan always felt about Cawdor? What does this say about Duncan’s character? The thane of Cawdor was executed for being a traitor and aiding the enemy. Duncan revealed that he was very trusting in the thane. This reveals that Duncan is a very naïve and trusting individual. 2. Of what significance are the following: (a) Duncan’s naming Malcolm his successor? It is significant as it means that if Macbeth ever wants to be king it will take more than natural means to do so. (b) Duncan’s decision to visit Inverness. Duncan congratulates Macbeth who then expresses his loyalty to Duncan, the king. After Duncan names Malcolm as the next king, something which Macbeth verbally praises but secretly curses, Duncan declares he will go to Inverness (Macbeth's castle) to celebrate Macbeth's bravery and new title. 3. Identify and explain two examples of dramatic irony in this scene. The dramatic irony of this scene is that the viewer knows Macbeth’s evil intentions, but Duncan is unaware. Scene Five 1. How was Lady Macbeth advised of the witches’ prophecies? Macbeth told his wife about the witches that gave him titles through a letter. 2. What purpose is served by Lady Macbeth’s invocation of the powers of evil and darkness? She desperately wants to succeed in killing Duncan, so Macbeth can be king. 3. How is Lady Macbeth characterized in this scene? Explain providing examples. She is characterized as becoming more masculine. Scene Six 1. How is a peaceful atmosphere created at the beginning of this scene? How does this add pathos? The castle is lit with candles and there is a calming aroma, it leads Duncan to feel at peace although the viewer knows his soon-to-be fate. 2. What is ironic about the conversation between Lady Macbeth and Duncan? He is commenting on how open and fresh and welcoming her home is and she is going overboard to please him. We know that she is really planning to kill him in his sleep 3. What qualities does Lady Macbeth exhibit in this scene? She exhibits qualities of ambition, cunning and determination. Scene Seven Summarize Macbeth’s long soliloquy at the beginning of the scene. Macbeth reveals his feelings of apprehension while he contemplates committing regicide. Macbeth opens his soliloquy by saying that the terrible deed should be done quickly and expresses his willingness to risk his soul if assassinating King Duncan will be the "be-all and the end-all" of the affair. How does it: a) create sympathy for him; In his soliloquy, he talks about how if he does a bad deed and kills he is teaching young people to do the same thing and that would be bad because it will come back and plague the ones who taught them. (b) destroy sympathy for him? Because Macbeth also talks about how he would kill Duncan if it was quick and there was no punishment and since there are punishments he chose not to. What taunts are used by Lady Macbeth to spur Macbeth on to commit the crime? Lady Macbeth shames his weakness, calling into question his manliness and ambition. 3. What plan has Lady Macbeth formulated for Duncan’s demise? Their plan is to drug the guards while Duncan is sleeping. Macbeth will stab Duncan and the guards will be blamed. 4. What is Lady Macbeth’s function in this scene? Explain. To persuade Macbeth to pursue his ambitions. 5. How is Lady Macbeth both admirable and despicable in this scene? Lady Macbeth is admirable because she is strong and confident. In the play she talks her husband into killing one of his best friends in order for him to feel of high power. In this text, she gives her husband courage to do what he does not believe what he can do and says that nothing can fail when involves them together. On the other hand, she is despicable because she taunts her husband into killing a man. She is despicable because she plotted an entire murder plan and wants more than anything to follow through with it. ACT TWO Scene One 1. What evidence is there in the text that; (a) Banquo has been tempted by the prophecy made to him? In the play, it states that he dreamt of what the witches prophecies were and his cursed thoughts so it’s difficult for him to fall asleep. (b) Banquo is trying to resist this temptation? This shows that Banquo is trying to resist temptations because he is trying to join Macbeth as long as he has a clear conscious. He is trying to be good and do the best he can so he cannot fall into temptation if he is doing good. 2. How does the dagger soliloquy create atmosphere, advance the plot, and reveal character? The dagger soliloquy creates an atmosphere that everyone in the world is asleep and having evil nightmares. Scene Two How does Lady Macbeth save the situation in this scene? Explain. Lady Macbeth saves the situation by telling Macbeth he is a coward and not to think too hard about what he’s already done. Additionally she goes and puts the daggers with the drunk guards to frame them. Show that Macbeth’s imagination and conscience are both active in this scene. Macbeth imagines a voice crying out that he has murdered the sleeping. Methought I heard a voice cry, “Sleep no more! Macbeth does murder sleep” Lines 35-36 His conscience is saying he is no longer worthy of god’s blessing and he cannot say amen because he is a sinner and a murderer. But wherefore could not I pronounce “Amen”? I had most need of blessing, and “Amen” Stuck in my throat. Lines 31-33 3. What is the dramatic purpose of this scene? The dramatic purpose of this scene is to show that Macbeth isn’t a murderer and that he feels awful and guilty for killing Duncan. It is dramatic because Macbeth is freaking out and Lady Macbeth has to calm him down and tell him to be a man. Scene Three 1. What purposes are served by the episode involving the porter? The scene involving the porter represents all of the witchery and murders occurring. It shows that he is not the only one going crazy in the kingdom. 2. Why did Macbeth murder the grooms? In what ways was this wise? In what ways was it foolish? Macbeth murders the grooms because as they have become suspicious after he confesses that he has killed the king. He does it out protection from getting caught. This was wise because Macbeth confessed to them about how he killed the king, and this gets rid of any witnesses that could testify. This was foolish because he is now responsible for more than one death and more additional lies. 3. Provide reasons for thinking Lady Macbeth’s faint was (a) genuine, Lady Macbeth’s faint was genuine because Macbeth was speaking of how he murdered Duncan and she was trying to distract them from realizing what he had just said. (b) feigned. Lady Macbeth’s faint was feigned because she does not take away from what Macbeth has confessed this gives Malcom and Donalbain time to escape and go to Ireland. Scene Four 1. How successful has Macbeth been in the achievement of his ambition? Support your response with examples. So far Macbeth has been successful in his ambition because he has killed everyone that he has thought that needed to be killed. His ambition is a negative trait as although it works in his favor, it has lead to many chances for him to be caught and apprehended. 2. What details are used to reveal the unnatural aspects of the murder? Details that are used to reveal his unnatural aspects of the murder are the jabs the king in the neck. 3. What purpose is served by the Old Man? The old man helps establish an _atmosphere_ that shows that the world has been spookily out of kilter since _Macbeth_ took the throne. The man is old enough to be able to provide a context for the eerie and frightening events going on; he says he has seen bad times before, but nothing like this. 4. What information is provided about the following characters? (a) Macduff Macduff emerges from the castle and tells Ross that Macbeth has been made king by the other lords, and that he now rides to Scone to be crowned. Macduff adds that the chamberlains seem the most likely murderers, and that they may have been paid off by someone to kill Duncan. (b) Duncan He is dead (c) Malcolm and Donalbain Suspicion has now fallen on the two princes, Malcolm and Donalbain, because they have fled the scene. (d) Ross He is suspicious of Macbeth. Act Two Response Who was more responsible for the murder of King Duncan, Macbeth or Lady Macbeth? Argue your position using examples and quotations from the play. Use proper paragraph format. I believe that while both are technically as guilty as each other as they were partners in planning it, I think Macbeth is more responsible. If not for Macbeth, the opportunity and idea of killing Duncan would have never arisen. Even though Lady Macbeth is the one who convinces him to go through with it, Macbeth was ultimately the one who willingly committed the crime. I believe that if this situation were to be take as a court case, Macbeth would be deemed guilty. If Lady Macbeth was not also considered guilty, she would be treated as an accomplice as it is showed many times throughout the play the Macbeth would not have followed through with the murders If not for his wife’s persuasion. ACT THREE Scene One How does Macbeth react to success? Explain, citing specific examples from the play. Macbeth reacts to his success, with fear and suspicion and plans for yet another murder. Macbeth loses everything that makes human life enjoyable through his actions. He is, therefore, unable to enjoy his success. 2. What evidence is there in this scene that Banquo suspects Macbeth of the murder of Duncan? Be specific.  At the beginning of the act Banquo is talking about Macbeth before he enters saying that he has finally gotten the title he has wanted but suspects foul play. He refers to what the witches told him, and he believes that Macbeth had something to do with Duncan’s untimely death as it is all to convenient for Macbeth 3. Refer to Macbeth’s soliloquy (approx. III.i.48-72) and summarize his reasons for wanting Banquo murdered. Macbeth wants Banquo murdered as he knows that not only will Banquo’s children become kings, but that he is also suspicious of the events that have occurred and is begging to catch on to Macbeths plot. 4. How are Macbeth’s plans for the second murder different from those made for the first one? The first murder was planned by Lady Macbeth and was a desperate move to steal the crown. This second murder is well planned and he makes every effort to separate himself from it. What does this indicate about Macbeth’s character? Explain. This indicates that he is adapting well to his knew situation and openly accepting what he believes must be done in order to stay king. 5. Why are the murderers prepared to carry out Macbeth’s wishes? Macbeth has convinced them that Banquo is responsible for all their financial hardships. Also they are afraid of their new king. Scene Two 1. Does Lady Macbeth appear to be enjoying her new position? Explain. In this scene, Lady Macbeth does not seem to be enjoying her new position. This is shown in the conversation she has with her husband in which she tries to soothe his mind and generally console him. 2. Illustrate how the relationship between Macbeth and his wife has altered by referring to specific examples from the text. Throughout the course of the play Macbeth has gotten more confident. At first, Lady Macbeth was the one in charge and Macbeth didn’t make any plans of his own. Now he is starting to take charge and make plans of his own, such as killing Banquo and getting rid of anyone who has suspicions, without even consulting Lady Macbeth. He even goes on to tell her not to worry about the murder he has got it handled and he will let her know after it’s done. The relationship change foreshadows that Macbeth is not going to need Lady Macbeth in order to get done what needs to be done. “Be innocent of the knowledge, dearest chuck, Till thou applaud the deed. Come, seeing night,” Act 3: Scene 2, Lines 47-48 3. What evidence is there of Macbeth’s growing ruthlessness and his tormented conscience? Macbeth has become more ruthless as he has made his own plans and he is no afraid to do what he believes needs to be done in order to better himself. He has a tormented conscience because he no longer has the mindset that murder is wrong, and he now thinks the right thing to do is kill anyone that is standing in his way of being successful as King. “Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill.” Act 3: Scene 2, Line 59 4. What does the darkness and the night symbolize in the scene / play? Explain providing specific examples. Death and unfortunate circumstances are symbolized by darkness and nighttime. All of the major negative event sin the play have occurred during the night. “Hath rung night’s yawning peal, there shall be done A deed of dreadful note.” Act 3: Scene 2, Lines 45-46 Scene Three 1. Explain how the murder of Banquo could be considered the crisis of the play. The murder of Banquo could be considered the turning point of the play due to Fleance getting away. So far in the play everything Macbeth has wanted he has gotten. In this circumstance, he got half of what he wanted, and he is now going to be even more paranoid that there is a witness on the loose that know his dad got murdered. 2. Who is the third murderer? What is the purpose of the third murderer? Provide support for your opinion. Macbeth has become terribly suspicious and trusts no one; he sends the third murderer to make certain the job gets done. 3. What is the significance of Fleance’s escape? Consider the effects on plot and characters. Fleance was next in line to become king and now that he is gone that means it is even easier for Macbeth to become king. His escaping also means that he has now seen the murderers and know what they look like and he will be able to expose them later on if he comes back. 4. To what extent did Banquo deserve the death that befell him? Support your response with textual evidence. He was there when the prophecy was given by the three wishes. Macbeth worried that since he was privy to the witches prophecy, he might turn against Macbeth in the long run. He kills him not knowing the true outcome of his witnessing the three witches prophecies. 5. Outline the similarities and differences between the murder of Banquo and King Duncan. Which do you regard as the greater crime of Macbeth? Why? The murders of Banquo and King Duncan are similar because they both are arranged by Macbeth. Also they are both killed because Macbeth feels that they are standing in the way of him becoming king. On the other hand, it was Lady Macbeth that plotted Duncan, while Macbeth planned Banquo’s murder all on his own. Scene Four 1. What is the significance of Banquo’s ghost? What arguments can be sued to support the idea that Banquo’s ghost is the crisis / turning point in the play? Banquo’s ghost is significant as it is showing Macbeths battle with morality and how he is struggling to battle with the guilt of what he has done 2. What arguments and methods are used by Lady Macbeth to try to restore Macbeth to normality? In order to try to restore Macbeth back to normal she makes up the lie that he often has fits, and he has had them since he was a child. She also on the side asks him if he is a man, as he is acting cowardly and reverting to his old, more moral self. Act 3: Scene 4, Lines 89-91 3. Explain the significance of the following: (a) Macbeth’s thought turns at this time to Macduff. He begins to think that Macduff's absence at the banquet might imply that Macduff is plotting his own revenge. It is also a significant break between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. He sees the ghost and she does not. (b) He is determined to seek out the weird sisters. For Macbeth, then, seeing the witches again is important because it will help him to determine whether Fleance is indeed a threat to his throne. After all, everything that the witches told Macbeth has so far come true: he became the Thane of Cawdor and then the King of Scotland. Now he needs to know if Fleance will really take his kingdom and if any other threats may cross his path. Scene Five 1. What details in this scene link it with what has happened before in the play and what may happen later in the play? The detail of a new “villain” being introduced links it back to the opening scene of the play where the viewer is introduced to the witches. The introduction of Hecate leads to the indication that similar circumstances (the witches indirectly controlling Macbeth) are likely to occur again. 2. What is revealed about the conditions of Scotland? It is revealed that Scotland is in a very poor situation and is slowly becoming less and less orderly. Additionally, it is in a state of Anarchy, as Macbeth is a tyrant. He is concerned only with his throne and the needs of the people are being overlooked. Scene Six 1. What information is the audience given about the following characters: (a) Malcolm? Banquo's murder has been officially blamed on Fleance, who has fled. Nevertheless, both men suspect Macbeth, whom they call a “tyrant,” in the murders of Duncan and Banquo. b) Macduff? The lord tells Lennox that Macduff has gone to England, where he will join Malcolm in pleading with England's King Edward for aid. News of these plots has prompted Macbeth to prepare for war. Explain how this scene provides an effective conclusion to Act 3. What is its dramatic purpose? In this scene, Lennox and the Lord are standing outside Duncan's former castle at Forres, and Lennox is basically thinking out loud to the Lord about what has occurred up to this point in the play. It occurs to Lennox that anybody who had any serious dealings with Macbeth is dead, but Macbeth has somehow escaped any suspicion or consequences for those deaths. It acts as an effective conclusion as the suspense and suspicion builds up around Macbeth, leaving viewers waiting for the big reveal. ACT FOUR Scene One 1. Explain why the witches’ chant is given in such detail. The detail of the Witches' chant allows the audience to understand exactly how evil they are. Because of this, the audience sees that Macbeth's ambition totally overlies his good sense. At this point in the play, he has no capability to make rational decisions, as he cannot move past what he wants. 2. What do each of the Apparitions represent? State the prediction given by each. Explain the paradox of the Apparitions. The apparitions represent the future for Macbeth. The first apparition is the disembodied head of a warrior that warns Macbeth of that Macduff plans to seek revenge. The second is a child with blood on him that comforts Macbeth saying that he cannot be killed by any man that has been born by a woman. Lastly, the third is a child wearing a crown that promises Macbeth he cannot lose in battle until Birnam Wood moves toward his “stronghold” at Dunsinane. 3. Describe “Banquo’s revenge”. What is the effect on Macbeth? Banquo’s revenge describes Banquo’s spirit coming back in an assembly line of 8 soldiers haunting him and scaring him. Macbeth becomes very frightened and worried about what is to come. Scene Two 1. Characterize Lady Macduff as she appears in this scene. Provide examples to support your opinions. In this scene Lady Macduff appears feeling disgusted at the man she married. She is angry that Macduff is a coward and has fled at the time their family needs him the most. “All is the fear and nothing is the love, As little is the wisdom, where the flight So runs against all reason.” Act 4: Scene 2, Lines 12-15 Lady Macduff also acts as if her husband doesn’t mean much to her now. She says that she can buy 20 of him at any market that he is very replaceable. “Why, I can buy me twenty at any market.” Act 4: Scene 2, Line 41 2. What dramatic purpose is served by Ross and the nameless messenger? In Scene 1 of Act 4, we learn that Macbeth has plans to kill Macduff, his wife, and his children. The nameless messenger is warning Ross of harm coming their way and this shows dramatic irony because we, the audience, know that Macbeth is behind this but those on stage do not. 3. Why may the third great crime be considered the worst? What does it prove about Macbeth? He is told by the witches that Macduff is no threat to him and since Macduff is all the way in England and Macbeth can’t get to him, he kills his family to get back at him in the worst way possible. This proves that Macbeth has lost all humanity and is willing to do anything in order to retain his position as king. 4. Illustrate the following devices that are exemplified in this scene: (a) suspense Macbeth is getting increasingly paranoid and starts to kill innocent people, for example: Lady Macduff and her son. Macbeth starts to descend into madness, he is taking serious measures for things that aren't problematic. Macbeth's suspicions increases in proportion to his fears. Macbeth's character is deterioratin (b) dramatic irony The irony is that Macduff isn't a traitor or dead. He's alive and fighting for what's right by going against Macbeth. Though Lady Macduff makes him out to be a traitor, he's actually fulfilling the oaths he took to King Duncan by fighting against the man who killed him. (c) pathos Shakespeare evokes Pathos in his audience by showcasing the tenderness of the relationship between Lady Macduff and her son. Scene Three 1. What dramatic elements emerge at the beginning of this scene? _Macduff_ is being built up as a suitable foil for _Macbeth_ and the ultimate adversary to face off against him in the play's _climax_. Macduff speaks and thinks only of his hatred for _Macbeth_ and his ultimate desire to see him dethroned, restoring honor and tranquility to Scotland. Macduff's character is being built as the pure _antithesis_ to Macbeth. He is honorable and selfless, and he cares deeply for the common people of his country. 2. From this scene, provide evidence of Malcolm’s high moral standard. This scene clearly shows Malcolm’s selfless ness and willingness to do what’s best for his country. 3. Of what vices does Malcolm accuse himself? Malcolm accuses himself of lust and greed. 4. What qualities does Malcolm eventually state he possesses? Justice, moderation, honesty, stability, generosity, perseverance, mercy, humility, devotion, patience, courage, and bravery.  5. What information does Ross have for Macduff? Of what dramatic importance is the testing of Macduff? Ross tells Macduff about his family being murdered back home. This is of dramatic importance as it adds in Malcolm’s desire to take the throne from Macbeth. 6. What contrasts are implied between Macbeth and Edward the Confessor? King Edward is described as a benevolent ruler who is loved by God and his subjects. In contrast, Macbeth has a murderous touch, and his subjects fear him. Also, Macbeth does not possess unique gifts, nor is he in God's favor. 7. Why does Shakespeare choose to make Macduff rather than Malcolm the agent of nemesis? Explain. The king when _Macbeth_ was originally performed, James I of England, also known as James VI of Scotland, could actually trace his lineage back to _Duncan_ (as well as _Banquo_) and would therefore also have been related to _Malcolm_, Duncan's son. By giving _Macduff_ a good reason to want to kill _Macbeth_ (Macbeth murders Macduff's wife and children) and then having Macduff be the one to exact his revenge on the king, Shakespeare keeps Malcolm's hands clean, literally and figuratively.  ACT FIVE Scene One 1. How does Shakespeare seek to create sympathy for Lady Macbeth? He portrays her as vulnerable and mentally unstable. Humans are most vulnerable when we are asleep. 2. Of what importance are the Doctor and the Gentlewoman? Explain. They are the ones who witness Lady Macbeth's actions while she sleepwalks. They have no prior knowledge of the murders 3. Compare Lady Macbeth’s first appearance in the play with her appearance in this latest scene. In the beginning, she was strong, confident and willing to do whatever it took to secure the throne. Now she is seen as weak and fearful 4. Describe the rituals of Lady Macbeth’s disorder. She is walking in her sleep, reenacting the murder and confessing to all the crimes she and her husband have committed. 5. What is the Doctor’s ‘prescription’? What would a modern doctor prescribe? Explain your choice. He says that only she can heal themselves. Today the patient would have been referred to a mental health professional. 6. Analyze the meaning of Lady Macbeth’s action of washing her hands. What does it symbolize? How is it ironic? She is trying to get the blood (and the smell of blood) off of her hands which symbolizes guilt. After the murder she says that "a little water clears us of this deed". Scene Two 1. Why is it significant that Macbeth is now referred to as a tyrant? It is significant that Macbeth is now referred to as a tyrant because he was only concerned about his throne and he killed anyone that was a threat to him. He was loved and had support from everyone, but now everyone fears him. 2. What does the audience learn of Macbeth and his plans? That he is banking on the Witches' prophecy being true and that extraordinary things have to happen before he can be defeated. 3. How does this scene suggest the growing isolation of Macbeth and the solidarity of the forces that oppose him? Support your answer. This conversation shows the audience how Macbeth's subjects see him. They only follow his command out of fear of him and love for their country. They hold no loyalty to Macbeth as a man and king. 4. What is the significance of the clothing imagery? Explain. The clothing imagery in the play highlights the conflict between appearance and reality: Macbeth's clothes are described as ill-fitting. Macbeth's leadership is described by others as a giant's robes on a dwarf, in other words unfit. Lady Macbeth uses clothes to aid in deceiving others. Scene Three 1. Macbeth receives news in this scene. What is the effect of each of the items of news he receives? That his wife's illness is mental, not physical and the doctor cannot help her. 2. How does Macbeth reveal his basic insecurity? Provide specific examples. Macbeth fears that he is becoming old and his age may affect his performance in battle.  3. Prove that Macbeth is placing his trust in the second and third prophecies of the Apparitions. In 58-60 he says "Bring it after me. --I will not be afraid of death and bane Till Burnam Forest come to Dunsinane". Scene Four 1. Show that Malcolm is the unconscious agent of destiny. How does Malcolm’s command create dramatic irony? _Malcolm_ is certainly not aware that he is the one who makes the fulfillment of _the_witches_' prophecy possible. It is him who confirms _Macbeth_'s worst fear. Malcolm's plan that soldiers should carry a branch from Birnam Wood so that _Macbeth_ is unable to evaluate the exact number of soldiers turns out to be fatal. This is because the witches told Macbeth that he has nothing to fear until Birnam Wood "comes" to him. When Macbeth learns from the messenger that "the wood began to move," he is astonished but vows to fight back.  Scene Five 1. What details in this scene link it with what has happened before in the play and what may happen later in the play? 2. What is revealed about the conditions of Scotland? Scene Six 1. What information is the audience given about the following characters: (a) Malcolm? The armies of Malcolm, Siward, and Macduff assemble on a plain near Macbeth's castle. Malcolm, one of Duncan's two sons (and thus the legitimate heir to the throne of Scotland), commands the soldiers to throw down the branches they have been carrying (b) Macduff? That Macduff was "from his mother's womb untimely ripped" In other words, Macduff was born through a cesarean section.