Summary AQA GCSE English Literature Shakespeare - Macbeth Act 2 Scene 4

Act 2, Scene 4 – Macbeth is to be King
Rosse, Macduff and an old man discuss how Macbeth will be king now that Malcolm is gone.


 “Hours dreadful and things strange” – Shakespeare’s Techniques
Shakespeare used the ambiguous term ‘Old Man’ to show that the murder of Duncan
had an impact on everyone in Scotland as the country’s well-being is linked to its king.
 “Dark night strangles the travelling lamp”
It is dark during the day. This symbolises the evil that has come over Scotland.
 A falcon has been savagely killed by an owl – the falcon symbolises Duncan and the owl
symbolises Macbeth.
 “Tis said they eat each other” – Theme: Kingship
Strange events have occurred, which suggest that Duncan’s murder and Macbeth’s rise
to become king are against nature.
 “Thriftless ambition” – Theme: Ambition
The Thanes believes Malcolm and Donalbain were bribed by their ambitions as it drove
them to have their father murdered.
 “No, cousin, I’ll to Fife” – Character: Macduff
Macduff doesn’t go to Macbeth’s coronation, which suggests that he doesn’t support
Macbeth’s claim to become king.