Act 5 Scene 4

Question 1

overview of act V scene iv

Answer 1

malcolm’s army camouflage themselves with branches from the trees of birnam wood

Question 2

How does Malcolm instruct his soldiers to disguise themselves?

Answer 2

• He tells them to cut down branches from Birnam Wood and use them as camouflage.
• This fulfills the prophecy that Birnam Wood will move to Dunsinane.
• Shows Malcolm’s intelligence and strategic thinking.
• Audience see that the Witches have tricked Macbeth and that his defeat seems inevitable

Question 3

How do the English army discuss their battle plan?

Answer 3

• calmly - they’re in control
• contrasts with Macbeth’s frenzied behaviour in scene 3

Question 4

Finish the quote: ‘Let every soldier hew…’

Answer 4

"’…him down a bough and bear’t before him.’”

Question 5

‘Let every soldier hew him down a bough and bear’t before him.’

Answer 5

• Malcolm orders his men to use tree branches as camouflage.
• This directly fulfills the witches’ prophecy.
• Creates dramatic irony, as the audience sees Macbeth’s fate unfolding.

Question 6

What is the significance of Birnam Wood in this scene?

Answer 6

• The soldiers unknowingly make the prophecy come true.
• It signals that Macbeth’s end is near.
• Shows how fate and human action combine to bring his downfall.

Question 7

How does this scene contrast with Macbeth’s confidence in Act 5, Scene 3?

Answer 7

• Macbeth believed he was safe unless Birnam Wood moved.
• The audience now sees that the prophecy is coming true.
• Creates dramatic irony and tension before the battle.

Question 8

Finish the quote: ‘We learn no other but…’

Answer 8

"’…the confident tyrant keeps still in Dunsinane.’”

Question 9

‘We learn no other but the confident tyrant keeps still in Dunsinane.’

Answer 9

• Shows that Macbeth is still overconfident despite growing threats.
• ‘Tyrant’ reinforces how he is now seen as a cruel ruler.
• Highlights how others see his downfall as inevitable.

Question 10

What does Siward say about their cause?

Answer 10

• He says they are fighting for justice and order.
• Their cause is noble, unlike Macbeth’s tyranny.
• Reinforces the theme of rightful kingship.

Question 11

What theme does this scene reinforce?

Answer 11

• Fate vs. free will: The prophecy is coming true.
• Justice and revenge: Malcolm’s army fights for Scotland.
• Appearance vs. reality: The branches disguise the army’s true numbers.

Question 12

How does this scene build tension?

Answer 12

• The audience knows Macbeth is doomed, but he does not.
• The army is getting closer, setting up the final battle.
• The prophecy’s fulfillment makes the outcome feel inevitable.

Question 13

How does this scene foreshadow Macbeth’s defeat?

Answer 13

• The prophecy is coming true, undermining his confidence.
• Malcolm’s forces are united, while Macbeth is isolated.
• Suggests that his fate is sealed, no matter how strong he fights.

Question 14

What does this scene suggest about Malcolm’s leadership?

Answer 14

• He is strategic and intelligent (using camouflage to his advantage).
• He has the loyalty of his men, unlike Macbeth.
• Shows that he is a capable and rightful king.

Question 15

Why is it important that Malcolm calls Macbeth a ‘tyrant’?

Answer 15

• Reinforces how far Macbeth has fallen from being a noble warrior.
• Shows that he rules by fear rather than loyalty.
• Highlights that Malcolm represents rightful kingship.

Question 16

How does this scene connect to the theme of deception?

Answer 16

• Malcolm deceives Macbeth by disguising his army with branches.
• Appearance vs. reality: Macbeth thinks he is safe, but he is not.
• Echoes earlier deceptions in the play (e.g., Macbeth deceiving Duncan).