Macbeth, Act 4, Scene 2 summary
Act 4, Scene 2 of 28 · 4 min to read the scene
In Act 4, Scene 2, Lady Macduff condemns her husband’s escape while Ross defends him, and her son questions her about traitors and punishment. A messenger urges her to flee, but murderers arrive, kill her son, and chase her as she runs out, turning the family’s vulnerability into direct violence.
What happens
- Lady Macduff calls her husband’s departure fearful and unloving, while Ross defends his judgment during dangerous times.
- Ross leaves because his emotions threaten to overwhelm him.
- Lady Macduff claims her husband is dead, but her son disputes this and questions her account of treason and punishment.
- A messenger warns Lady Macduff of nearby danger and urges her to escape with her children.
- Murderers demand her husband’s whereabouts, and her son challenges their accusation of treason.
- The first murderer stabs the boy, who dies urging his mother to run; the murderers chase her out.
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In this scene
What to notice
The boy challenges his mother’s claim that honest people punish traitors. His reasoning exposes the weakness of justice when dishonest people outnumber the honest.
Quick check
What does the messenger urge Lady Macduff to do?
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