Act 5, Scene 4 – The Army Hides Behind Branches
Malcolm orders his soldiers to cut down branches to hide behind as they approach
Macbeth’s castle.
Like Act 5, Scene 3, this scene is also short, which increases the pace and adds to the
drama.
“Lennox, Rosse” – Theme: Loyalty and Betrayal
Lennox and Rosse, who were at the banquet in Act 3, Scene 4, have deserted Macbeth.
None of the Thanes stay loyal to Macbeth
“Let every soldier hew him down a bough and bear’t before him”
Malcolm tell his soldiers to cut down branches from Birnam Wood to disguise their
numbers – the audience sees that the Witches have tricked Macbeth, and that his defeat
seems inevitable.
“The time approaches that will with due decision make us know what we shall say we
have and what we owe” – Shakespeare’s Techniques
The English army are very focused as they calmly discuss their battle plan – they are in
control. This contrasts with Macbeth’s frenzied and erratic behaviour in Scene 3.
Malcolm orders his soldiers to cut down branches to hide behind as they approach
Macbeth’s castle.
Like Act 5, Scene 3, this scene is also short, which increases the pace and adds to the
drama.
“Lennox, Rosse” – Theme: Loyalty and Betrayal
Lennox and Rosse, who were at the banquet in Act 3, Scene 4, have deserted Macbeth.
None of the Thanes stay loyal to Macbeth
“Let every soldier hew him down a bough and bear’t before him”
Malcolm tell his soldiers to cut down branches from Birnam Wood to disguise their
numbers – the audience sees that the Witches have tricked Macbeth, and that his defeat
seems inevitable.
“The time approaches that will with due decision make us know what we shall say we
have and what we owe” – Shakespeare’s Techniques
The English army are very focused as they calmly discuss their battle plan – they are in
control. This contrasts with Macbeth’s frenzied and erratic behaviour in Scene 3.
