Macbeth Act 4 Scene 4 Analysis

In Act Two, Scene Four of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, this scene has a larger significance within the play by not only giving Shakespeare time to summarize previous events but also show Macduff’s growing suspicion of Macbeth. The play’s previous events are summarized through a conversation between an Old Man, Ross, and MacDuff. In contrast to Witches, who predict the future, the Old Man speaks of the past, “Threescore and ten [he] can remember well” (2.4.1). Using the Old Man’s experience to contrast current events, Shakespeare accentuates the change that Macbeth unleashed upon Scotland by killing Duncan. The Old Man shows that the current events are not natural disasters but reversals of natural order. This is shown by day being replaced with night and bizarre weather occurrences. Additionally, Ross and the Old Man speak of the abnormal behavior of animals, especially Duncan’s horses. Symbolizing

The classroom’s lights will be turned off to show how night has overtaken day. This will develop the mourning of the characters and also create a dreary feeling throughout the scene. Another way the setting will be developed will be through the characters plain and worn clothing, showing the grief of the characters. However, I will wear a gray shirt to symbolize the armor that Ross would wear. Personally, I wanted to bring my character to life on the stage so first I reread the scenes before and after act two, scene four, to completely understand the tone my character would use after hearing about Duncan’s death. Secondly, I made sure that I understood every word that Ross says when he speaks to the Old Man ad Macduff. Moreover, I also wanted to convey the double meaning behind Ross’ lines so I studied the Royal Shakespeare, practiced different tones, and planned out key words that I will