Why does macbeth have macduff's family and servants killed

Complete the following questions after reading Acts IV and V. Always answer in complete sentences. Some questions have more than one part; be sure to answer the question completely.

Act IV, Scene 1

1- Macbeth returns to the witches, apparently placing his trust in their knowledge. However, as the audience knows through the dramatic irony of the Hecate speech, will he be deceived by them playing upon his own illusions and their creation in him of a state of false security? Explain your answer.

2- Read the opening of the scene, prior to Macbeth's entrance. What do you think is the purpose of this scene

3- Look carefully at the three prophecies. In what ways does each encourage a sense of false security in Macbeth?

4- Macbeth says (about the witches) “Infected be the air whereon they ride,/And damned all those that trust them!” What is Macbeth, in effect, saying about himself?

Act IV, Scene 2

5- Why does Macbeth have Macduff’s family and servants killed

6- Why might Ross’s appearance at Macduff’s castle represent a weakening of Macbeth’s position? Do you think the Messenger who warns Lady Macduff might have been sent by Lady Macbeth? Cite reasons for or against this idea.

7- What further moral degradation does Macbeth show by the end of this scene?

Act V, Scene 1

8- What words by Lady Macbeth show that she has been brooding over the past crimes? Which crime does she dwell on the most? Why?

Act V, Scene 3 Read Macbeth's speech which begins with : I am sick at heart...

9- Why is he disillusioned?

10- In the scene as a whole, in what ways is he still placing his faith in the witches?

11- To what disease is Macbeth referring? How is this ironic?

Act V, Scene 5

12- Read Macbeth's speech in response to Lady Macbeth's death. How does he respond?

13- What metaphors does he use for life?

14- What admirable quality does Macbeth finally display?

Act V, Scene 7

15- Why does Macbeth kill again? What is his motivation?

16- How is Macduff’s motivation different?

Act V, Scene 8

17- What does Macbeth’s line: “My soul is too much charged… already” mean?

18- Macbeth is killed brutally. How does this parallel another event early in the play?

19- What dramatic purpose might there be to having 8 short scenes in the last act?

20- Is Macbeth's downfall a result of fate or his own actions? Explain.