Macbeth, Act 4, Scene 1 summary

What happens

1. The Witches prepare a terrible mixture, and Hecate praises their work before Macbeth arrives demanding answers.
2. A helmeted head warns Macbeth against Macduff, and a bloody child says nobody born from a woman can harm him.
3. A crowned child promises safety until Birnam wood advances against Dunsinane hill, which Macbeth considers impossible.
4. Eight kings appear with Banquo, and a mirror reveals more descendants, confirming the royal succession Macbeth fears.
5. The Witches vanish, and Lennox reports that Macduff flees to England.
6. Macbeth resolves to turn impulses immediately into deeds and plans to kill Macduff’s wife, children, and relatives.

In this scene

What to notice

Macbeth rejects delay between desire and action. His immediate plan against Macduff’s family shows how this decision turns fear into violence.

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