Macbeth Act 4 Scene 2 Analysis

Conceived in the play Macbeth are three symbolic views that are all recurring and Act 4 scene 2 presents all of these views. These three views are manhood, flight, and betrayal. The first begins in the beginning of the play, but is recognized in Act 4 scene 2 just like the rest of these symbolic views. To many this scene is seen as one of the most crucial parts of the play. Drawing on the major scenes of the play Macbeth it pushes for action and ultimate conclusion. Numerous times irony is displayed in this passage. Contained in one scene is three symbolic views that were presented at the beginning of the story leading up to this point,manhood, flight, and betrayal.
The first point found in Act 4 scene 2 was manhood. The first mention of
Macduff’s son defends his father when the killer calls his father a traitor to which he son responds by saying, “Thou li’st, thou shag-eared villain”. To which at this point the young boy is stabbed and dies. The irony behind this is that the true traitor in the story is Macbeth. The other half of this is recorded in Act 2 scene 2 when Macbeth betrays his country by killing the king for power. Unfortunately, the death of Macduff’s family and the people of his castle were killed because of the traitor Macbeth. Although it was thought to have been in memory of the traitorous Macduff’s that has fled to England.
All three of these themes and more are seen in the duration of Act 4 scene 2. Manhood, flight, and betrayal are all defining qualities of this play Macbeth. Presented in all one scene, the fundamentals the make up the play. While many argue whether or not this is the climax of the story, it definitely is a pivotal point in the play. Multiple major points conveyed in the story secretly and strategically placed within this one scene. Shakespeare does this almost seamlessly. Ironic and cruel all in one is presented in Act 4 scene 2 of Macbeth through manhood, flight, and