Macbeth Reading Journal: Act Four

Scene 1:
Rather than the Witches coming to Macbeth, Macbeth has chosen to seek the Witches for knowledge on his future. The Act begins with the Witches enchanting another spell like they did at the beginning of Act 1, which signalled the dawn of a new King brought about by bloodshed, with hindsight, it is possible to deduct the chanting in Act 4, Scene 1 is bringing about another King's downfall: Macbeth's. This is reinforced by the Witches response to Macbeth when he meets them "A deed without a name", they will not disclose their plans for they spell his death, like Duncan's death was kept secret from him. From the second apparition, it is also revealed that Macbeth cannot die at the hands of a man born of a woman; which logically would grant Macbeth immortality but it is clear the apparitions are telling the truth but not the whole truth as from Act 3, the Witches have turned on Macbeth. Macbeth is also fooled into an untouchable status that his castle will not fall till the woods themselves of Birnan move. Through conversing with the Witches, it is revealed Macbeth should fear Macduff and after learning Macduff has fled to England; Macbeth plans to kill Macduff's family and house.
Scene 2:
Macduff's wife and son are warned of their imminent murders by Ross, Macbeth's own man; which shows even Macbeth's own followers are wary, concerned and beginning to turn against Macbeth. Wife and Son also have a conversation concerning Macduff as a traitor "What is a traitor?" which may foreshadow Macbeth's betrayal of country and their betrayal of Macbeth. Son and Wife are killed.
Scene 3:
Macduff finds Malcolm in England. Macduff having seemingly lost hope in Scotland is tested by Malcolm who pretends to not care for Scotland until Malcolm is confident Macduff's loyalty is still tied to Scotland. They speak of the deterioration of Scotland and Macbeth's tyranny "Bleed, bleed, poor country! Great tyranny, lay thy basis sure,” Notably, the King of England is praised as being a most prosperous and caring King. Ross meets the pair and tells Macduff of his murdered family. Malcolm tells Macduff to turn his grief to anger as they head to Scotland to overthrow Macbeth with English forces backing them.