Macbeth by William Shakespeare | Act 4, Scene 3 Summary & Analysis

Summary

In Act 4, Scene 3 of Macbeth, Macduff meets Malcolm in England, where they mourn King Duncan's death and suspect Macbeth's involvement. Though Malcolm initially feigns flaws to test Macduff's loyalty, he is moved by Macduff's sacrifice of leaving his family behind. As they discuss Scotland's dire state, Ross delivers tragic news of Macduff's family being murdered. This news fuels Macduff's resolve to confront Macbeth, contrasting the healing virtues of King Edward with Macbeth's bloody reign. Ultimately, Malcolm and Macduff prepare to return to Scotland, driven by their shared determination to restore justice.

Takeaways

• 😢 Macduff and Malcolm mourn Duncan's death and express suspicions about Macbeth's involvement.
• 😨 Malcolm hesitates to return to Scotland, fearing for his safety, but is inspired by Macduff's sacrifice.
• 🧐 To test Macduff's loyalty, Malcolm falsely claims to be a lustful and greedy man, revealing his own insecurities.
• 💔 Macduff falls into despair for Scotland, demonstrating the dire state of the country under Macbeth's rule.
• 🩺 A doctor approaches, indicating that King Edward can heal the sick, contrasting with Macbeth's violent rule.
• 🌍 Ross arrives with news about Scotland's unfortunate condition, emphasizing the chaos caused by Macbeth.
• ⚔️ Ross is initially evasive about Macduff's family but ultimately reveals their tragic fate, deepening Macduff's sorrow.
• 🔥 Malcolm urges Macduff to channel his grief into avenging his family's death, suggesting it will empower him in battle.
• 🏴‍☠️ The conversation shifts to the qualities of a good king, with Edward portrayed as virtuous and healing, unlike Macbeth.
• ⚖️ Malcolm and Macduff's alliance signifies hope for restoring order and justice in Scotland against Macbeth's tyranny.

Q & A

What is the setting of Act 4, Scene 3 of Macbeth?

The scene takes place at the palace of King Edward the Confessor in England.

What do Macduff and Malcolm discuss regarding Duncan's death?

They mourn Duncan's death and share suspicions about Macbeth's involvement.

Why is Malcolm hesitant to return to Scotland?

Malcolm fears for his safety and is apprehensive about claiming the throne after Duncan's death.

How does Macduff demonstrate his loyalty to Scotland?

Macduff leaves his wife and child to travel to England to support Malcolm in his efforts to reclaim the throne.

What false claim does Malcolm make to Macduff?

Malcolm falsely claims to be a lustful and greedy man to test Macduff's loyalty and resolve.

What news does Ross bring about Scotland?

Ross informs Macduff that Scotland is in a sorry state, emphasizing the suffering under Macbeth's rule.

What tragic news does Ross reveal to Macduff?

Ross reveals that Macduff's wife, child, and servants have been murdered in an ambush.

How does Malcolm suggest Macduff handle his grief?

Malcolm encourages Macduff to channel his grief into a desire for vengeance against Macbeth.

What qualities does Malcolm associate with an ideal king?

Malcolm contrasts King Edward's healing touch with Macbeth's violent nature, implying that an ideal king should possess compassion and virtue.

What is Macduff's emotional state after learning about his family's fate?

Macduff is devastated and struggles to process the news of his family's murder.