Act 2, Scene 4 Flashcards
What happens in Act 2, Scene 4?
Ross talks about a series of unnatural things that have been happening, including how the horses have ‘turned wild in nature’ and begun to eat each other, and it’s dark in the day time with an old man. Macduff arrives and tells Ross that he believes that the guards who murdered Duncan were bribed by Malcolm and Donalbain, which is why the two sons have fled the country. Ross reports that Macbeth has been named king and he plans to go to Scone for his coronation but Macduff heads home to Fife instead.
Who did the old man represent?
The Scottish people.
Why did the old man describe the night as a ‘sore night?’
It was the night following the murder of Duncan. This is an example of pathetic fallacy, and the cruelest regicide clarifying the severity of the act.
Why were such strange things happening?
Due to the disorder of nature introduced by Macbeth.
