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Hania <3
15/12/2025
English Literature
Macbeth act 2 scene 4
1 / 3
The Princes' Escape
Ever wondered what you'd do if your dad was murdered and everyone suspected you? That's exactly the nightmare Malcolm and Donalbain face as they plan their desperate escape from Scotland.
Malcolm and Donalbain know they're next on the hit list. Donalbain's chilling line "there's daggers in men's smiles" captures the paranoia perfectly - they can't trust anyone around them. The closer you are to the throne, the more dangerous your position becomes.
The brothers split up strategically, with Malcolm heading to England and Donalbain to Ireland. They know their sudden departure will make them look guilty, but staying means certain death. Sometimes running away really is the smartest option.
Key Point: Their flight isn't cowardice - it's survival. The brothers understand that in this political nightmare, appearing guilty is better than being dead.
Nature in Chaos
When kings are murdered, even nature goes mental - at least that's what Shakespeare wants you to believe in this eerie scene between Ross and an Old Man.
The Old Man has lived for seventy years but claims he's never seen anything like this night. It's still dark when it should be daylight, as if the sun itself is too horrified to rise. This pathetic fallacy shows how Duncan's murder has disrupted the natural order.
The animal imagery gets properly weird here. A falcon (noble bird of prey) gets killed by a mousing owl (humble night hunter) - totally against nature. Even more disturbing, Duncan's horses went completely wild and supposedly ate each other.
These unnatural events mirror the political chaos. When the rightful king is murdered, everything goes topsy-turvy.
Remember: Shakespeare uses these supernatural elements to show that regicide (killing a king) is the ultimate crime against both God and nature.
Macbeth Takes the Crown
Whilst everyone's still reeling from Duncan's murder, Macbeth wastes no time in grabbing the throne - but not everyone's convinced by the official story.
Macduff delivers the key updates: the guards who supposedly killed Duncan are now dead (killed by Macbeth, conveniently), and Malcolm and Donalbain's flight makes them look guilty. With the rightful heirs gone, Macbeth gets crowned king and heads to Scone for the official ceremony.
Notice how Macduff refuses to attend Macbeth's coronation, choosing instead to return to his castle at Fife. His suspicious behaviour and cryptic final words about "old robes" sitting easier than "new" ones hint that he's not buying Macbeth's version of events.
The scene ends with the Old Man's blessing, hoping that people will "make good of bad and friends of foes" - a ironic wish given what's coming next.
Watch This: Macduff's refusal to attend the coronation is your first clue that he suspects Macbeth. This tension will explode later in the play.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Analysis of Macbeth Act 2 Scene 4
After Duncan's murder, chaos erupts in Scotland as his sons flee for their lives and the natural world itself seems to rebel against this unnatural act. Meanwhile, Macbeth seizes the throne whilst suspicion and fear grip the remaining nobles.
The Princes' Escape
Ever wondered what you'd do if your dad was murdered and everyone suspected you? That's exactly the nightmare Malcolm and Donalbain face as they plan their desperate escape from Scotland.
Malcolm and Donalbain know they're next on the hit list. Donalbain's chilling line "there's daggers in men's smiles" captures the paranoia perfectly - they can't trust anyone around them. The closer you are to the throne, the more dangerous your position becomes.
The brothers split up strategically, with Malcolm heading to England and Donalbain to Ireland. They know their sudden departure will make them look guilty, but staying means certain death. Sometimes running away really is the smartest option.
Key Point: Their flight isn't cowardice - it's survival. The brothers understand that in this political nightmare, appearing guilty is better than being dead.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Nature in Chaos
When kings are murdered, even nature goes mental - at least that's what Shakespeare wants you to believe in this eerie scene between Ross and an Old Man.
The Old Man has lived for seventy years but claims he's never seen anything like this night. It's still dark when it should be daylight, as if the sun itself is too horrified to rise. This pathetic fallacy shows how Duncan's murder has disrupted the natural order.
The animal imagery gets properly weird here. A falcon (noble bird of prey) gets killed by a mousing owl (humble night hunter) - totally against nature. Even more disturbing, Duncan's horses went completely wild and supposedly ate each other.
These unnatural events mirror the political chaos. When the rightful king is murdered, everything goes topsy-turvy.
Remember: Shakespeare uses these supernatural elements to show that regicide (killing a king) is the ultimate crime against both God and nature.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Macbeth Takes the Crown
Whilst everyone's still reeling from Duncan's murder, Macbeth wastes no time in grabbing the throne - but not everyone's convinced by the official story.
Macduff delivers the key updates: the guards who supposedly killed Duncan are now dead (killed by Macbeth, conveniently), and Malcolm and Donalbain's flight makes them look guilty. With the rightful heirs gone, Macbeth gets crowned king and heads to Scone for the official ceremony.
Notice how Macduff refuses to attend Macbeth's coronation, choosing instead to return to his castle at Fife. His suspicious behaviour and cryptic final words about "old robes" sitting easier than "new" ones hint that he's not buying Macbeth's version of events.
The scene ends with the Old Man's blessing, hoping that people will "make good of bad and friends of foes" - a ironic wish given what's coming next.
Watch This: Macduff's refusal to attend the coronation is your first clue that he suspects Macbeth. This tension will explode later in the play.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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Most popular content: Macbeth
Most popular content in English Literature
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user