MacBeth Act 2 Scene 4

MacBeth Act 2 Scene 4

By: Larenai Swann

Thank You

Analysis Continued

Any Questions??

Old Man 'Tis unnatural,

Even like the deed that's done. On Tuesday last,

A falcon, towering in her pride of place,

Was by a mousing owl hawk'd at and kill'd.

ROSS

And Duncan's horses (a thing most strange and

certain)

Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race,

Turn'd wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out,

Contending 'gainst obedience, as they would make

War with mankind.

Old Man 'Tis said they eat each

other.

ROSS

They did so, to the amazement of mine eyes

That look'd upon't.

Analysis

Summary

(Enter ROSS and an old Man)

Old Man

Threescore and ten I can remember well:

Within the volume of which time I have seen

Hours dreadful and things strange; but this sore night

Hath trifled former knowings.

ROSS Ha, good father,

Thou seest, the heavens, as troubled with man's act,

Threaten his bloody stage: by the clock, 'tis day,

And yet dark night strangles the travelling lamp:

Is't night's predominance, or the day's shame,

That darkness does the face of earth entomb,

When living light should kiss it?

• Ross and an old man are standing by MacBeth's castle
• The old man is telling Ross about all the strange things he has seen lately after King Duncan's death
• MacDuff blames King Duncan's guards of killing him which MacBeth wanted
• Malcolm and Donalbain flee bc the think the person who killed their dad may want to kill them
• MacBeth is on his way to be crowned (Scone)
• Ross goes to Scone & MacDuff goes to Fife