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Name_KEY_________
Date_____________
Macbeth: Act IV Reading and Study Guide
I. Vocabulary: Be able to define the following words and understand them when they appear in the play.
Also, be prepared to be quizzed on these words.
thrice: three times
conjure: to summon up using supernatural power
potent: powerful
pernicious: destructive; hurtful
laudable: praiseworthy
redress: set right; correct
hoodwink: trick; deceive
avarice: greediness
concord: harmony; peace; agreement
integrity: honesty; possessing firm principles
II. Background Info:
Lucifer: Luc (light) + fer (carry) – leader of the rebellion of angels. Referred to as “brightest” in
Macbeth.
III. Literary Terms: these will be the terms that we use to discuss this act. Please know them for our
discussion and your tests and quizzes.
motif: a recurring object, concept, or structure in a piece of literature. Some motifs from Macbeth:
blood, visions, clothing metaphor, planting / weed metaphor.
IV. Questions: answer the following questions while you read to check your comprehension.
Scene 1:
1. When the witches are chanting “Double, double toil and trouble; / Fire burn, and cauldron bubble,” what
are they doing? Casting a spell for Macbeth
2. What is the “something wicked” that “this way comes”? Macbeth
