Macbeth, Act 2, Scene 4 summary
Act 2, Scene 4 of 28 · 2 min to read the scene
In Act 2, Scene 4, Ross and an Old Man discuss unnatural darkness and animal violence, while Macduff reports that suspicion falls on Duncan’s fleeing sons. Macbeth is named king and goes to Scone for his coronation, but Macduff chooses Fife instead and expresses unease about the change in rule.
What happens
- Ross and an Old Man describe daytime darkness, an owl killing a falcon, and Duncan’s horses turning wild and eating one another.
- Macduff says the men Macbeth kills commit the murder for payment, and the flight of Malcolm and Donalbain makes them suspects.
- Macduff reports that Macbeth is named king and goes to Scone for his coronation, while Duncan’s body goes to Colmekill.
- Ross chooses to go to Scone, but Macduff heads to Fife and voices doubt about the new rule.
- The Old Man ends with a blessing for those who turn evil toward good and hostility toward friendship.
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In this scene
What to notice
The clothing comparison expresses doubt about the new rule. Macduff voices this concern while choosing not to attend Macbeth’s coronation.
Quick check
Where does Macduff choose to go instead of Scone?
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