Welcome to our blog post ISC Macbeth Workbook Answers : Act 4, Scene 3 of William Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, “Macbeth.” As dedicated learners and educators, we recognize the importance of unraveling the nuances of Shakespearean literature, which is why we’ve curated this comprehensive guide specifically tailored to the ISC curriculum.
Within this blog, we’ll explore Act 4, Scene 3 , utilizing the meticulously crafted workbook provided by Morning Star publishers. Our objective is to not only present multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and detailed answers but also to foster a deeper comprehension of the play’s themes, characters, and linguistic complexities.
While our responses are structured based on the workbook, we encourage students to use this resource as a springboard for their own exploration. Shakespeare’s works offer rich layers of interpretation, inviting individual analysis. Therefore, feel empowered to adapt and personalize our insights to suit your unique learning style and needs.
Whether you’re striving for academic excellence or simply eager to unravel the depths of “Macbeth,” join us on this enlightening journey through Act 4, Scene 3 . Let’s embark on an adventure where Shakespeare’s words transcend time, captivating minds across generation
Table of Contents
Workbook Summary :
Macduff after fleeing from Scotland partly from fear of the tyranny of Macbeth and partly to expedite reactionary forces against him, appears at the court of the King of England, Edward the Confessor. This is the place where Malcolm, too is taking shelter. Macduff meets Malcolm before the palace of the King and apprises him of the woeful condition prevailing in Scotland with a view to rouse Malcolm to action against the tyrant. Malcolm has just suffered from a bitter experience which has made him suspicious and it is with this suspicion that he receives the news from Macduff. Macduff gives a graphic description of the sufferings in Scotland due to the tyranny of Macbeth. Malcolm hears him sympathetically, but suspects Macduff because he had once been a supporter of Macbeth. He suspects Macduff of being a spy deported to England to entice Malcolm. Macduff does offer an explanation which Malcolm does not seemingly accept. Then in order to test Malcolm’s sincerity and loyalty, Malcolm speaks against his own self, and degrades himself to the lowest and tries to read Macduff’s mind. He openly criticizes himself to be one who is worse than Macbeth as he is full of vices of criminal temperament and may be not fit to rule Scotland. Macduff is unmoved by what Malcolm says as he cannot believe that Malcolm could be a worst tyrant than Macbeth and tells him that so long as his vices are not exposed the country will be well satisfied accepting him as their King. Malcolm further tells Macduff that he lacks the kingly qualities as he is liable to incite the subjects against one another. Macduff reaches the end of his tether and laments loudly the fate of the late King and regrets that a worthy father should have produced such an unworthy son. Malcom, then fully convinced of Macduff’s loyalty discloses to him that he had put up a false front about his vices which are not real, but imaginary.
He is in fact ready to march against the tyrant as he has already mustered up an army of ten thousand soldiers under the able English veteran Old Siward Macduff is relieved and overwhelmed with joy to hear about this happy turn of events. A doctor comes and reports that the King will soon appear to bless and cure the assembled subjects as he possesses healing powers. He will cure the “king’s evil”, which Malcolm explains to Macduff is a serious disease which defies all the cures of the doctors. It disappears with the touch of the holy hand of the King. The king of England truly is blessed with ‘divine powers’ and it is said that he bequeaths this gift of healing to his successors. Besides, these virtues the King also possesses prophetic powers.
It is at this moment that Ross makes his appearance. He repeats, emphasizes and confirms the story of the evil fate of Scotland under the tyranny of Macbeth. He ultimately delivers the news of the ghastly murder of Macduff’s wife and innocent son. This sends Macduff into rage and fury and he is filled with sorrow. It is decided that Malcolm, Macduff and Old Siward along with an army of soldiers, will invade Scotland immediately to restore peace, prosperity and happiness to afflicted Scotland.
Workbook MCQs :
1. What kind of a scene is Act IV Scene iii in the play “Macbeth”?
a. A long Chorus Scene
b. A supernatural Scene
c. A dramatic Scene
d. A tragic Scene
Answer :- a. A long Chorus Scene
2. Why has Macduff gone to England?
1. To meet Malcolm to liberate Scotland from the tyranny of Macbeth.
2. To meet Malcolm to search for Fleance
3. To meet King Edward the Confessor
4. To muster an army against Macbeth
a. land 3
b. 1 and 2
C. 2 and 3
d. 1 and 4
Answer :- d. 1 and 4
3. Why is Malcolm suspicious of Macduff?
1. He is worried that Macduff may kill him
2. He is worried that Macduff may betray him to Macbeth
3. He is worried that Macduff may muster an army against him
4. He is worried that Macbeth has sent him as a spy
a. 1 and 4
b. 1 and 2
c. 2 and 4
d. 2 and 3
Answer : c. 2 and 4
4. Why does Malcolm say that he would be a worse King than Macbeth?
a. He has even more vices than Macbeth
b. He is not ruthless enough
c. He is not cunning enough
d. He is too fair in his dealings
Answer :- a. He has even more vices than Macbeth
5. Which reason does Malcolm give for not wanting to contend for the crown?
a. He is concerned that Macbeth will murder him if he contends for the crown
b. He is concerned that England will not provide enough resources for the rebellion.
c. He is concerned that Macbeth will learn about his vices and use them against him
d. He is concerned that his father never wanted him to wear the crown
Answer :- c. He is concerned that Macbeth will learn about his vices and use them against him
6. Why does Malcolm ask Macduff so many questions?
a. To find out if Macduff is sincere and loyal to him
b. To find out whether he has been sent as a spy by Macbeth
c. To find out if he is really an enemy of Macbeth
d. To find out if Macduff has some ulterior motive
Answer :- a. To find out if Macduff is sincere and loyal to him
7. What is the importance of this scene in the play?
a. It develops the important issues of loyalty and courage
b. It makes the play more gruesome
c. It introduces the friendship between England and Scotland
d. It exposes the weaknesses of Malcolm
Answer :- c. It introduces the friendship between England and Scotland
8. How does Malcolm test Macduff’s loyalty?
a. By challenging Macduff to a duel
b. By pretending to be a worse human being than Macbeth himself.
c. By asking Macduff to sacrifice his life for him
d. By insulting Macduff to the greatest extent
Answer :- b. By pretending to be a worse human being than Macbeth himself.
9. “New sorrows strike heaven on the face”
What is the literary device used in the above lines?
a. Oxymoron
b. Metaphor
c. Simile
d. Hyperbole
Answer :- d. Hyperbole
10. Malcolm compares wicked creatures to
a. Macbeth
b. Lennox
c. Lady Macbeth
d. Himself
Answer :- d. Himself
11. “Bleed, bleed, poor country!”
Why does Macduff allow his poor country to bleed?
a. There is no one to check the great tyranny reigning there
b. There is no one to rule his country
c. His country is faced by too many bloody wars
d. The legitimate heir to the throne is dead
Answer :- a. There is no one to check the great tyranny reigning there
12. What has King Edward of England offered Malcolm?
a. Thousands of soldiers
b. A battalion of bodyguards
c. Arms and ammunition to fight Macbeth
d. Emotional security
Answer :- a. Thousands of soldiers
13. What would Macbeth appear to be when compared to Malcolm?
a. Pure as snow
b. Pure as gold
c. Pure as the air we breathe in
d. Pure as an angel
Answer :- a. Pure as snow
14. Who will not be safe according to Malcolm if he ruled?
a. Wives, daughters, matrons and maids
b. Children
c. Weak minded people
d. Cowards
Answer :- a. Wives, daughters, matrons and maids
15. What according to Malcolm constitutes a tyranny?
a. Boundless cruelty
b. Boundless intolerance
c. Boundless temperance
d. Avarice
Answer :- d. Avarice
16. “Convey your pleasures in a spacious plenty”
Explain the above lines:
a. You may enjoy a life of sensual pleasure and sins
b. You may enter into a duel with me
c. You may take the greatest risk in life
d. You may lead a life full of anxiety
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
17. How would Malcolm be an avaricious King?
a. He would have an insatiable greed for jewels
b. Would go and steal other people’s food
c. Would have an unsatiable desire for good food
d. Would want to wear expensive clothes
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
18. Why does Macduff address – “O nation miserable”?
1. Scotland is being governed by an untitled blood thirsty tyrantn
2. The legitimate claimant to the throne slanders his own royal race.
3. Scotland is facing anarchy and civil strife
4. The sons of the King have committed patricide
a. 1 and 2
b. 3 and 4
c. 1 and 3
d. 2 and 4
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
19. Macduff describes King Duncan to be
a. A blood thirsty tyrant
b. A saintly King
c. A meek and mild King
d. An inefficient King
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
20. What does Malcolm tell Macduff to ease the latter’s fears?
a. That he had put up a facade of taunts and blames on himself
b. He will wear the crown
c. He will leave England and go back to Scotland
d. He will take revenge on Macbeth
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
21. Who will join them to fight against the tyrant?
a. Old Siward with ten thousand soldiers
b. The army of King of Norway
c. The people of Scotland
d. Donalbain who has mustered an army
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
22. What does the doctor report about the touch of the King?
a. The King has a healing touch in his hand that cures incurable diseases
b. The King has the touch of Midas in his hand
c. The King can perform great magic with his hands
d. The King can turn water into wine with his hands
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
23. What does the King hang around the necks of the sick people?
a. A gold chain
b. A gold coin
c. A silver rosary
d. A lucky charm
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
24. Why can’t Scotland not be called their mother anymore?
a. Scotland has become their grave
b. Scotland is devoid of pity
c. Scotland cannot house it’s people anymore
d. Scotland is a poverty stricken country unable to feed them.
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
25. What is the first question that Macduff asks Ross?
a. How is my country?
b. How does Macbeth rule Scotland?
C. How is my wife?
d. How are my children?
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
26. Why had Ross come to England?
a. To transport the sad tidings of the massacre of Macduff’s family
b. To create soldiers against Macbeth
c. To spy on Macduff
d. To give the news to Malcolm that there is a rebellion in Scotland
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
27. “He has no children”
What does Macduff mean to say when he utters these words
a. Macduff means to say that ‘He’ who is Macbeth has no children.
b. Macbeth has killed all his children
c. Now he is without children
d. Malcolm is fortunate not to have children
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
28. What metaphor does Macduff use for Macbeth?
a. O Hell-kite
b. Merciless tyrant
c. O Hell tyrant
d. Devilish Macbeth
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
29. How does Malcolm try to console Macduff?
a. Let your wrong be the whetstone of your sword
b. Let not this loss make you cruel
c. He can never bring his family to life
d. He has to forget his grief
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
30. What does Macduff urge the gentle heavens to do?
a. To help him to take revenge immediately
b. To help him to die soon
c. To breathe life into his family
d. To enable them to gather an army against Macbeth
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Contextual Questions :
(I) Malcolm is not convinced with Macduff’s outburst regarding the tyranny of Macbeth because having been deceived in case of Macbeth, he now wants to believe only what he knows to be certain.
(II) Macduff with great regret refers to his country as “poor” as it bleeds under the oppression of tyrants because goodness cannot stop it.
(III)Malcolm feels that wicked Macbeth will appear as an innocent lamb because the person who is to succeed him will be worse than him in many ways.
(IV) Malcolm tells Macduff that he lacks the king becoming graces because he has in him all the vices of Macbeth, namely avarice, hypocricy etc. in magnified form.
(V) Macduff is heartbroken and cries out in hatred towards Malcolm because he feels that with so many vices, he is not fit to live even.
(VI) Macduff in his grief calls Macbeth a “Hell kite” Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(VII) Macduff holds himself responsible for the murder of his family because Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(VIII) Malcolm urges Malcolm to let his wrong be the whetstone of his sword because Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(IX) Macduff prays to the” gentle heavens” to reduce the gap between him and his revenge because Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(X) Malcolm does not want to delay matters any further because Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Question Answers :
(I) Describe any three ways in which Malcolm accuses himself. Write your answer in a short paragraph of about 100-150 words.
Answer :- In order to test Macduff’s sincerity and loyalty, Malcolm speaks openly against his own self. He degrades himself to the lowest and tries to read Macduff’s mind. He openly confesses that he is worse than Macbeth as he is full of vices of criminal nature. When Macduff remains unmoved, Malcolm then tells him that he lacks the kingly qualities. He also adds that he is liable to incite the subjects against one another. Now, Macduff laments that a saintly king like Duncan has produced an unworthy son. Malcolm now fully convinced of Macduff’s loyalty discloses to him that he has no vices. He was just putting on a false show.
(II) Provide details about the King of England and his miraculous healing powers.
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
(III)(a) Referring to the scene describe Macduff’s sorrow and his reaction towards the killing of his family by Macbeth. Write your answer in about 200-250 words.
Answer :- When Ross hesitantly reveals that Macbeth has brutally slaughtered Macduff’s entire family—including his innocent wife and children—Macduff’s reaction is one of devastating grief and fiery rage. At first, he is stunned into silence, struggling to process the horror (“All my pretty ones? Did you say all?”). His sorrow soon erupts into furious anguish, as he curses Macbeth as the “fiend of Scotland” and prays to heaven for swift justice (“Bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself; within my sword’s length set him”).
Macduff’s pain is raw and overwhelming—he blames himself for their deaths (“They were all struck for thee!”), showing his guilt and helplessness. However, his grief quickly hardens into resolve. Unlike Macbeth, who acts on selfish ambition, Macduff’s vengeance is driven by righteous fury. He swears to confront Macbeth personally, channeling his sorrow into a solemn mission to liberate Scotland from tyranny (“Front to front bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself”).
This scene transforms Macduff from a political exile into a tragic avenger, setting the stage for the final showdown. His anguish humanizes him, while his oath of revenge restores moral order to the play.
(b) What is the significance of Lady Macduff’s murder?. How does it become the turning point in the play?
Answer :- For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
Essay Question :
Q. Give a detailed account about the conversation that takes place between Malcolm and Macduff. How does Malcolm try to test Macduff’s integrity of purpose?
Answer :- The conversation that takes place between Malcolm and Macduff is one of the highlights in the play. The conversation is a very eventful one, as it, throws light on the qualities that Malcolm possesses which are required in a king. Malcolm is devoid of trust and does not want to commit himself to Macduff on any account, lest the latter is a traitor sent by Macbeth. For Full Answers Get The Workbook Answers PDF – View
