Macbeth Act 4 Scene 3 Line-by-Line Explanation

Lines 1-2:

MALCOLM:
“Let us seek out some desolate shade and there
Weep our sad bosoms empty.”

Explanation: Malcolm suggests that they should find a secluded place to grieve and cry until their sorrow is fully expressed.
Analysis: Malcolm initially responds to Scotland’s suffering with an emotional reaction, believing that mourning is the best course of action. His choice of words, such as “desolate shade,” emphasizes isolation and sadness.
Language Devices:
- Imagery: “desolate shade” creates a picture of emptiness and sorrow.
- Metaphor: “Weep our sad bosoms empty” suggests that their hearts are so full of sorrow that they need to pour it out through tears.
Themes: Suffering, grief, emotional expression vs. action.

Lines 3-8:

MACDUFF:
“Let us rather
Hold fast the mortal sword and, like good men,
Bestride our downfall’n birthdom. Each new morn
New widows howl, new orphans cry, new sorrows
Strike heaven on the face, that it resounds
As if it felt with Scotland, and yelled out
Like syllable of dolor.”

Explanation: Macduff rejects Malcolm’s idea of grieving in private and instead urges action. He believes they should take up their swords (“mortal sword”) and defend their fallen country. He describes the suffering in Scotland, where people are constantly mourning losses caused by Macbeth’s tyranny. He even suggests that the heavens are crying out in pain alongside the people of Scotland.
Analysis: Macduff represents the ideal of masculine duty—action over sorrow. He acknowledges grief but believes the best response is to fight back. His imagery of widows, orphans, and the heavens crying shows the immense suffering under Macbeth’s rule.
Language Devices:
- Personification: “New sorrows strike heaven on the face” – sorrow is described as physically hitting heaven, making it feel the pain of Scotland.
- Auditory Imagery: “New widows howl, new orphans cry” – emphasizes the sounds of suffering, making the reader imagine a land filled with grief.
- Metaphor: “Bestride our downfall’n birthdom” – compares Scotland to a fallen child that must be protected, reinforcing the idea of noble responsibility.
Themes: Revenge, masculinity, suffering, justice.

Lines 9-12:

MALCOLM:
“What I believe, I’ll wail;
What know, believe; and what I can redress,
As I shall find the time to friend, I will.
What you have spoke, it may be so, perchance.”

Explanation: Malcolm is cautious. He explains that he only grieves for what he believes to be true, he only believes what he knows for certain, and he will only act when the time is right. He is hesitant about Macduff’s claims and does not immediately agree to take action.
Analysis: Malcolm is testing Macduff’s loyalty. His logical and restrained approach contrasts with Macduff’s emotional urgency. This moment highlights the tension between impulsive action and careful planning.
Language Devices:
- Parallel Structure: “What I believe, I’ll wail; What know, believe; and what I can redress…” – emphasizes Malcolm’s careful and logical nature.
- Alliteration: “Find the time to friend” – makes the line more rhythmic and memorable.
Themes: Caution vs. action, leadership, trust.

Lines 13-15:

MALCOLM:
“This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues,
Was once thought honest. You have loved him well.
He hath not touched you yet.”

Explanation: Malcolm refers to Macbeth as a tyrant and claims that even saying his name is painful. He reminds Macduff that Macbeth was once seen as a noble man and suggests that Macduff might still have some loyalty to him. Malcolm also points out that Macbeth has not personally harmed Macduff yet, making him suspicious of Macduff’s motives.
Analysis: Malcolm is suspicious of Macduff. He fears that Macduff might be working for Macbeth and trying to lure him into a trap. By pointing out that Macbeth has not harmed Macduff directly, Malcolm implies that Macduff may not be as motivated to rebel as he claims.
Language Devices:
- Metaphor: “Whose sole name blisters our tongues” – likens speaking Macbeth’s name to a painful wound, reinforcing the idea that Macbeth has become a cursed figure.
- Dramatic Irony: The audience knows that Macbeth has harmed Macduff—he has already ordered the murder of Macduff’s family, though Macduff doesn’t know yet. This adds tension to the scene.
Themes: Betrayal, suspicion, leadership, morality.

MALCOLM:
“You may deserve of him through me, and wisdom
To offer up a weak, poor, innocent lamb
T’ appease an angry god.”

Malcolm suggests that Macduff could be trying to gain Macbeth’s favor by betraying him. He compares himself to a “weak, poor, innocent lamb,” highlighting his vulnerability, and Macbeth to an “angry god,” emphasizing his ruthless power. The imagery evokes biblical sacrifice, reinforcing Malcolm’s suspicion that Macduff may be leading him to his downfall. This moment reflects the theme of trust and deception, as Malcolm struggles to distinguish between a true ally and a potential traitor.

MACDUFF:
“I am not treacherous.”
MALCOLM:
“But Macbeth is.”

Macduff defends his honor, but Malcolm reminds him that treachery is real—Macbeth, once noble, has become corrupt. This brief exchange reinforces the idea that appearances can be misleading and that betrayal often comes from those who were once trusted.

MALCOLM:
“A good and virtuous nature may recoil
In an imperial charge. But I shall crave your pardon.
That which you are, my thoughts cannot transpose.
Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell.”

Malcolm acknowledges that even a good person may be forced to act immorally under a king’s command (“imperial charge”). However, he insists that he cannot know Macduff’s true intentions, as even the brightest angels—an allusion to Lucifer—can fall from grace. This highlights the theme of appearance vs. reality: Malcolm recognizes that people, even those who seem good, can be corrupted.

MALCOLM:
“Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace,
Yet grace must still look so.”

Malcolm observes that evil often disguises itself as good (“foul would wear the brows of grace”), but true goodness still exists. The statement reflects Macbeth’s deceptive nature, as he once appeared honorable but has become a tyrant. The contrast between foulness and grace underscores the theme of deception and morality.

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MACDUFF:
“I have lost my hopes.”

Macduff, exhausted by Malcolm’s doubts, begins to despair. His loss of hope suggests frustration at Scotland’s suffering and Malcolm’s hesitancy to act. This moment touches on patriotism, as Macduff is deeply committed to Scotland’s liberation.

MALCOLM:
“Perchance even there where I did find my doubts.
Why in that rawness left you wife and child,
Those precious motives, those strong knots of love,
Without leave-taking?”

Malcolm questions why Macduff left his wife and children behind so suddenly. He implies that abandoning them without a proper farewell seems suspicious, reinforcing his doubts about Macduff’s loyalty. Malcolm’s words show his caution and political strategy, as he is unwilling to trust blindly. The phrase “strong knots of love” metaphorically represents the deep emotional bonds of family, making Macduff’s sudden departure seem unnatural.

MALCOLM:
“Let not my jealousies be your dishonors,
But mine own safeties. You may be rightly just,
Whatever I shall think.”

Malcolm apologizes, stating that his suspicions are not meant to insult Macduff but are necessary for his own safety. This highlights his paranoia, a reaction to Macbeth’s treachery. He admits that Macduff may be an honorable man, but he cannot blindly trust him.

MACDUFF:
“Bleed, bleed, poor country!
Great tyranny, lay thou thy basis sure,
For goodness dare not check thee. Wear thou thy wrongs;
The title is affeered.—Fare thee well, lord.
I would not be the villain that thou think’st
For the whole space that’s in the tyrant’s grasp,
And the rich East to boot.”

Macduff, frustrated by Malcolm’s hesitation, laments Scotland’s suffering. He personifies Scotland as a bleeding entity, reinforcing the country’s pain under Macbeth’s rule. He sarcastically tells tyranny to establish itself, since goodness is too afraid to oppose it. The phrase “wear thou thy wrongs” suggests that Macbeth can continue in his evil ways without resistance.

Macduff’s declaration that he would rather remain honorable than gain power (“the rich East to boot”) shows his integrity and patriotism. He would never betray his country, even for immense wealth or power.

MALCOLM:
“Be not offended.
I speak not as in absolute fear of you.
I think our country sinks beneath the yoke.
It weeps, it bleeds, and each new day a gash
Is added to her wounds.”

Malcolm reassures Macduff that he is not accusing him outright but must be cautious. He uses personification, describing Scotland as a suffering entity that “weeps” and “bleeds,” reinforcing the nation’s agony under Macbeth. His words acknowledge that action is needed, but his hesitancy reflects his deep mistrust and political caution.

MALCOLM:
“There would be hands uplifted in my right;
And here from gracious England have I offer
Of goodly thousands.”

Malcolm reassures Macduff that he has support. Many Scots would raise their hands in allegiance to him, and England has already promised thousands of soldiers to fight Macbeth. The phrase “gracious England” shows gratitude towards King Edward, who has provided military aid. This reinforces the theme of loyalty and alliance, as Malcolm is gathering forces to reclaim Scotland.

“But, for all this,
When I shall tread upon the tyrant’s head
Or wear it on my sword, yet my poor country
Shall have more vices than it had before,
More suffer, and more sundry ways than ever,
By him that shall succeed.”

Here, Malcolm suddenly claims that even after defeating Macbeth, Scotland’s suffering will worsen under its next ruler. His imagery is violent (“tread upon the tyrant’s head” or “wear it on my sword”), emphasizing his determination to overthrow Macbeth. However, he suggests that his own rule will be even worse. This is a test of Macduff’s loyalty, as Malcolm deliberately paints himself as a corrupt leader to see how Macduff reacts.

MACDUFF:
“What should he be?”

Macduff, confused, asks who Malcolm means. His question shows that he does not yet realize Malcolm is speaking about himself.

MALCOLM:
“It is myself I mean, in whom I know
All the particulars of vice so grafted
That, when they shall be opened, black Macbeth
Will seem as pure as snow, and the poor state
Esteem him as a lamb, being compared
With my confineless harms.”

Malcolm claims that his own vices are so deeply ingrained (“grafted”) that if they were revealed, Macbeth would seem “pure as snow.” This exaggeration makes use of contrast, painting Macbeth—who is undeniably evil—as innocent in comparison. The phrase “black Macbeth” reinforces Macbeth’s moral corruption, while “pure as snow” suggests a false purity.

Malcolm’s statement is ironic because we know he is not actually worse than Macbeth. He is deliberately testing Macduff’s reaction to gauge whether he is truly loyal to Scotland or if he is secretly working for Macbeth.

MACDUFF:
“Not in the legions
Of horrid hell can come a devil more damned
In evils to top Macbeth.”

Macduff refuses to believe that anyone could be worse than Macbeth. The phrase “legions of horrid hell” alludes to the biblical concept of devils, reinforcing the theme of good vs. evil. Macduff’s words show his hatred for Macbeth and patriotic devotion to saving Scotland.

MALCOLM:
“I grant him bloody,
Luxurious, avaricious, false, deceitful,
Sudden, malicious, smacking of every sin
That has a name.”

Malcolm agrees that Macbeth is evil and lists his many flaws: he is “bloody” (murderous), “luxurious” (lustful), “avaricious” (greedy), “false, deceitful” (dishonest), “sudden, malicious” (violent and cruel). The rapid list of sins reflects Macbeth’s moral decay, reinforcing his transformation from a noble warrior to a tyrant.

“But there’s no bottom, none,
In my voluptuousness.”

Malcolm now claims that his own lust has no limits (“no bottom”). His choice of “voluptuousness” suggests excess and uncontrolled desire. He is continuing his deception, pretending to be worse than Macbeth to test Macduff.

“Your wives, your daughters,
Your matrons, and your maids could not fill up
The cistern of my lust, and my desire
All continent impediments would o’erbear
That did oppose my will.”

Malcolm paints himself as a ruler driven by unchecked sexual desire, saying that no woman—whether wife, daughter, mother, or servant—could satisfy him. The metaphor “cistern of my lust” portrays his desire as an endless container, suggesting insatiable greed and corruption.

“Better Macbeth
Than such an one to reign.”

Here, Malcolm pushes Macduff to his limit, suggesting that Macbeth would be a better king than he would be. This is a turning point in his test, as he wants to see if Macduff will still support him or abandon the cause.

MACDUFF:
“Boundless intemperance
In nature is a tyranny. It hath been
Th’ untimely emptying of the happy throne
And fall of many kings.”

Macduff responds by agreeing that unchecked desires (“boundless intemperance”) lead to destruction. He states that history has seen many kings fall due to their inability to control themselves. This moment introduces the theme of kingship and virtue, as Macduff highlights that a true ruler must have self-discipline.

“But fear not yet
To take upon you what is yours.”

Macduff, despite Malcolm’s claims, still urges him to take his rightful place as king. This shows Macduff’s unwavering belief that Malcolm is Scotland’s best hope.

“You may
Convey your pleasures in a spacious plenty
And yet seem cold—the time you may so hoodwink.”

Macduff suggests that even if Malcolm has strong desires, he can control them in public (“seem cold”). The phrase “hoodwink” means to deceive, implying that rulers often hide their flaws. This reflects the theme of appearance vs. reality, as Macduff suggests Malcolm can rule wisely despite his supposed vices.

MACDUFF:

“We have willing dames enough. There cannot be
That vulture in you to devour so many
As will to greatness dedicate themselves,
Finding it so inclined.”

Explanation:

Macduff responds to Malcolm’s claim of being consumed by lust. He reassures Malcolm that Scotland has enough willing women, so his supposed insatiable desire (“that vulture in you”) cannot be as terrible as he says.

Analysis:

The metaphor of a vulture suggests excessive and destructive hunger. Vultures feed on the dead, implying Malcolm’s supposed lust is predatory.
The theme of kingship and morality is present here. Macduff believes Malcolm’s flaws can be managed, showing his desperation for a strong leader.
The phrase “finding it so inclined” suggests that people will willingly support Malcolm if he becomes king, showing Macduff’s optimism about Malcolm’s rule.

MALCOLM:

“With this there grows
In my most ill-composed affection such
A stanchless avarice that, were I king,
I should cut off the nobles for their lands,
Desire his jewels, and this other’s house;”

Explanation:

Malcolm now claims that, besides lust, he is also extremely greedy (“stanchless avarice” meaning limitless greed). If he were king, he would seize the wealth and property of nobles for himself.

Analysis:

“ill-composed affection” suggests his desires are disorderly and unnatural, reinforcing his supposed unfitness to rule.
Avarice (greed) is personified as growing within him, showing its uncontrollable nature.
The theme of corruption is strong here—Malcolm suggests that power would turn him into a tyrant.

“And my more-having would be as a sauce
To make me hunger more, that I should forge
Quarrels unjust against the good and loyal,
Destroying them for wealth.”

Explanation:

Malcolm continues to exaggerate his greed. He says that the more wealth he gains, the more he will crave—like an appetite that grows with each meal (“my more-having would be as a sauce to make me hunger more”). He would even create false accusations (“forge quarrels unjust”) to justify stealing from noblemen.

Analysis:

Food imagery (“sauce” and “hunger”) emphasizes greed as an insatiable appetite.
Theme of tyranny—Malcolm describes a ruler who destroys his own loyal subjects for personal gain, much like Macbeth.
Foreshadowing—This passage reminds the audience of Macbeth’s actions, hinting at his downfall.

MACDUFF:

“This avarice
Sticks deeper, grows with more pernicious root
Than summer-seeming lust, and it hath been
The sword of our slain kings.”

Explanation:

Macduff acknowledges that greed is more dangerous than lust. He compares it to a deeply rooted plant (“sticks deeper”) and states that greed has led to the downfall of many kings (“the sword of our slain kings”).

Analysis:

Metaphor of a root—Greed is described as deeply embedded and hard to remove, implying it is more dangerous than lust.
Historical allusion—Macduff suggests that past Scottish rulers have fallen because of greed.
The theme of kingship—Macduff differentiates between personal flaws and fatal flaws in a leader.

“Yet do not fear.
Scotland hath foisons to fill up your will
Of your mere own. All these are portable,
With other graces weighed.”

Explanation:

Macduff again tries to downplay Malcolm’s supposed greed. He says Scotland has enough resources (“foisons”) to satisfy any ruler’s needs, so Malcolm wouldn’t have to steal from nobles. He also says Malcolm’s flaws are “portable”—they can be carried or managed if balanced with good qualities.

Analysis:

“Foisons” (an old word for abundance) suggests Scotland is rich enough to sustain a king without corruption.
“Portable” metaphorically suggests that flaws can be handled if the ruler has virtues to balance them.
Macduff’s desperation is clear—he is willing to overlook major flaws in his search for a good ruler.

MALCOLM:

“But I have none. The king-becoming graces,
As justice, verity, temp’rance, stableness,
Bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness,
Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude,
I have no relish of them but abound
In the division of each several crime,
Acting it many ways.”

Explanation:

Malcolm now claims that he has none of the qualities a good king should have—justice, truthfulness (“verity”), self-control (“temp’rance”), and so on. Instead, he says he excels in all crimes.

Analysis:

Irony—Malcolm, who is actually virtuous, claims to lack all virtue.
List technique (asyndeton)—The rapid list of virtues without conjunctions creates a sense of overwhelming goodness, which he claims to lack.
Theme of appearance vs. reality—Malcolm continues to test Macduff’s reaction.

“Nay, had I power, I should
Pour the sweet milk of concord into hell,
Uproar the universal peace, confound
All unity on earth.”

Explanation:

Malcolm claims that, if he were king, he would turn peace (“sweet milk of concord”) into chaos, making the world a place of war and disorder.

Analysis:

Contrast between “milk” and “hell”—Milk symbolizes nourishment and unity, while hell represents destruction. This dramatic contrast emphasizes Malcolm’s supposed evil.
Hyperbole—He exaggerates, saying he would destroy all unity on earth. This is not just bad leadership—it’s total destruction.
Theme of good vs. evil—This aligns with Macbeth’s tyranny, making Malcolm seem like an even worse ruler (which we know is untrue).

MACDUFF:

“O Scotland, Scotland!”

Explanation:

Macduff is horrified and heartbroken. If Malcolm is telling the truth, Scotland has no hope.

Analysis:

Repetition of “Scotland”—Expresses deep sorrow and despair.
Short sentence for dramatic impact—After Malcolm’s long speeches, this brief outburst highlights Macduff’s emotional turmoil.

MALCOLM:

“If such a one be fit to govern, speak.
I am as I have spoken.”

Explanation:

Malcolm presses Macduff—if a ruler as evil as he claims to be is acceptable, Macduff should say so. He pretends to confirm his wickedness.

Analysis:

Challenge to Macduff—Malcolm wants to see if Macduff will still support him despite his self-proclaimed vices.
Theme of loyalty and trust—This is the final part of Malcolm’s test.

MACDUFF:

“Fit to govern?”

Explanation:

Macduff is in shock. He cannot believe Malcolm is suggesting that someone as corrupt as he claims to be should rule Scotland.

Analysis:

Turning point—This moment proves Macduff is truly loyal to Scotland, not just seeking power.

Rhetorical question—Macduff is so shocked that he repeats Malcolm’s words.

Apostrophe—Addressing his “breast” as if it can hear him, emphasizing his emotional turmoil.
Symbolism—Heart as hope—Macduff’s heartbreak mirrors Scotland’s suffering.

Theme of unity and justice—Macduff and Malcolm join forces against tyranny.
Macduff’s silence as a dramatic pause—It highlights his deep emotions.

MACDUFF:

“Such welcome and unwelcome things at once / ’Tis hard to reconcile.”

Macduff means that he has heard both good and bad news at the same time, and he finds it difficult to process.
Analysis:
- Oxymoron: “welcome and unwelcome things” highlights Macduff’s conflicting emotions.
- Theme: Fate vs. Free Will – Macduff struggles with the reality of the situation.

Enter a Doctor.

MALCOLM:

“Well, more anon.— Comes the King forth, I pray you?”

Malcolm quickly shifts focus and asks if King Edward is coming out soon.
Analysis:
- Shows Malcolm’s impatience or eagerness to see the King.
- The dash (—) suggests a pause, showing a change in topic.

DOCTOR:

“Ay, sir. There are a crew of wretched souls / That stay his cure.”

Yes, the King is coming, but there are many sick people waiting for his healing.
Analysis:
- Word choice: “wretched souls” emphasizes the suffering of these people.
- Theme: The contrast between disease and healing reflects the broader theme of good vs. evil—King Edward heals, while Macbeth brings destruction.

“Their malady convinces / The great assay of art, but at his touch”

Their disease is so severe that even medical science (art) cannot cure them.
Analysis:
- Personification: “malady convinces” (as if the disease is persuading the doctors of its power).
- Contrast: The failure of “art” (science) versus the supernatural healing power of the King.
- Theme: Divine Right of Kings—suggests King Edward’s rule is blessed by God.

“(Such sanctity hath heaven given his hand) / They presently amend.”

God has given King Edward holy powers, and as soon as he touches them, they recover.
Analysis:
- Religious imagery: “sanctity” and “heaven” reinforce the idea that Edward is a holy ruler.
- Contrast with Macbeth: Macbeth gains power through murder, while Edward heals with divine grace.

MALCOLM:

“I thank you, doctor.” (Doctor exits.)

Malcolm politely acknowledges the doctor and moves on.

MACDUFF:

“What’s the disease he means?”

Macduff asks what disease the doctor was referring to.
Analysis:
- Shows Macduff’s lack of knowledge about King Edward’s healing powers.
- Sets up Malcolm’s explanation of the “royal touch.”

MALCOLM:

“’Tis called the evil:”

The disease is called “the evil” (scrofula).
Analysis:
- The name itself reinforces the theme of good vs. evil—in a play where Macbeth represents evil, here we see Edward as a force of good.

“A most miraculous work in this good king,”

It’s a miracle that this good king can heal people.
Analysis:
- Epithet: “this good king” reinforces the idea that Edward is righteous.
- Theme: Kingship & Power – A true king should heal, not harm.

“Which often since my here-remain in England / I have seen him do.”

Malcolm has witnessed this healing many times since he has been in England.
Analysis:
- Shows Malcolm’s admiration for Edward.
- Strengthens Edward’s credibility—Malcolm isn’t just repeating stories; he has seen it happen.

“How he solicits heaven / Himself best knows,”

Only Edward knows how he communicates with God to gain this power.
Analysis:
- Religious theme: Suggests that God directly supports Edward’s rule.
- Contrast with Macbeth: Macbeth relies on dark forces, while Edward is favored by heaven.

“But strangely visited people / All swoll’n and ulcerous, pitiful to the eye,”

These sick people have grotesque, swollen ulcers.
Analysis:
- Imagery: “swoll’n and ulcerous” creates a disturbing picture of suffering.
- Highlights Edward’s miraculous ability to heal even the worst cases.

“The mere despair of surgery, he cures,”

Even when surgery fails, Edward is able to heal them.
Analysis:
- Reinforces the idea that his power is beyond science.

“Hanging a golden stamp about their necks, / Put on with holy prayers;”

Edward gives them a golden coin (a “stamp”) while praying for them.
Analysis:
- Symbolism: The golden stamp represents divine blessing and protection.
- Contrast with Macbeth: Macbeth’s rule is marked by blood and murder, while Edward’s is marked by healing and generosity.

“And, ’tis spoken, / To the succeeding royalty he leaves / The healing benediction.”

It is said that he passes down this healing ability to the next king.
Analysis:
- Divine Right of Kings: Suggests that true kings are chosen by God and their power is inherited.

“With this strange virtue, / He hath a heavenly gift of prophecy,”

Along with healing, Edward can also see the future.
Analysis:
- Foreshadowing: Macbeth also seeks out prophecy, but from witches—again contrasting dark magic vs. divine favor.

“And sundry blessings hang about his throne / That speak him full of grace.”

Edward’s throne is surrounded by many blessings, proving he is full of divine favor.
Analysis:
- Religious diction: “blessings,” “grace” emphasize his holiness.
- Contrast: Macbeth’s throne is surrounded by bloodshed and fear.

Enter Ross.

MACDUFF:

“See who comes here.”

Macduff notices someone arriving.

MALCOLM:

“My countryman, but yet I know him not.”

He recognizes that the person is from Scotland but doesn’t immediately know who it is.
Analysis:
- Theme of Uncertainty: Malcolm has been away from Scotland for a while, highlighting his displacement.
- Dramatic Tension: The audience might anticipate whether this visitor brings good or bad news.

MACDUFF:

“My ever-gentle cousin, welcome hither.”

Macduff greets Ross warmly, calling him “ever-gentle cousin.”
Analysis:
- The formality in his speech shows respect and affection.
- Epithet: “Ever-gentle” suggests Ross is kind and reliable.

MALCOLM:

“I know him now.—Good God betimes remove / The means that makes us strangers!”

Malcolm recognizes Ross and prays that God will soon take away what separates them (Macbeth’s tyranny).
Analysis:
- Religious language: “Good God” shows Malcolm’s faith.
- Theme: The disruption of order—Scotland is so divided under Macbeth that countrymen barely recognize each other.

ROSS:

“Sir, amen.”

Ross agrees with Malcolm’s prayer, showing his own wish for peace in Scotland.
Analysis:
- Short but significant—Ross aligns himself with Malcolm and Macduff, opposing Macbeth.

MACDUFF:

“Stands Scotland where it did?”

Macduff asks if Scotland is the same as before.
Analysis:
- Metaphor: “Stands” implies stability, but Macduff fears Scotland has changed for the worse.

ROSS:

“Alas, poor country, / Almost afraid to know itself.”

Scotland is in such a terrible state that it no longer recognizes itself.
Analysis:
- Personification: Scotland is “afraid” and losing its identity.
- Theme: Disorder—Scotland is unrecognizable under Macbeth’s rule.

“It cannot / Be called our mother, but our grave,”

Scotland is no longer a nurturing mother but a place of death.
Analysis:
- Metaphor: “Mother” suggests a country that should protect its people, but under Macbeth, it only brings death (“grave”).
- Theme: Tyranny vs. Leadership—Macbeth’s rule destroys rather than nurtures.

“Where nothing / But who knows nothing is once seen to smile;”

Only the ignorant can smile in Scotland because those who understand the horrors cannot be happy.
Analysis:
- Irony: People are so miserable that smiling comes only from ignorance.
- Theme: Knowledge and suffering—being aware of reality brings despair.

“Where sighs and groans and shrieks that rent the air / Are made, not marked;”

People suffer constantly, but their pain is no longer noticed.
Analysis:
- Imagery: “Sighs, groans, shrieks” emphasize suffering.
- Theme: Desensitization—violence under Macbeth has become so common that people stop reacting.

“Where violent sorrow seems / A modern ecstasy.”

Intense grief is so normal that it feels like an everyday pleasure.
Analysis:
- Oxymoron: “Violent sorrow” and “ecstasy” contrast extreme suffering with the idea that it has become ordinary.
- Theme: The unnaturalness of Macbeth’s rule—chaos feels normal.

“The dead man’s knell / Is there scarce asked for who,”

Death is so common that people no longer ask who has died.
Analysis:
- Symbolism: The funeral bell (“knell”) represents constant death.
- Theme: The cheapness of life under Macbeth.

“And good men’s lives / Expire before the flowers in their caps, / Dying or ere they sicken.”

Good men die so quickly they don’t even live long enough to grow old or fall ill.
Analysis:
- Imagery: The comparison between men and flowers suggests unnatural death.
- Theme: The destruction of innocence—Macbeth kills without reason.

MACDUFF:

“O relation too nice and yet too true!”

Macduff finds Ross’s words both carefully spoken (“too nice”) and painfully true.
Analysis:
- Oxymoron: “Nice” and “true” contrast diplomacy with harsh reality.
- Theme: The difficulty of accepting painful truths.

MALCOLM:

“What’s the newest grief?”

What is the latest bad news?
Analysis:
- Suggests that grief is constant in Scotland.
- Builds tension before Ross reveals Macduff’s personal tragedy.

ROSS:

“That of an hour’s age doth hiss the speaker. / Each minute teems a new one.”

News becomes old within an hour because tragedies keep happening.
Analysis:
- Metaphor: Grief is like a hissing, living thing, constantly renewing itself.
- Theme: The overwhelming chaos of Macbeth’s reign.

MACDUFF:

“How does my wife?”

Macduff asks about his family.
Analysis:
- This question foreshadows Ross’s devastating news.
- Dramatic irony—the audience already suspects the worst.

ROSS:

“Why, well.”

Ross hesitates, first saying Macduff’s wife is fine.
Analysis:
- Evasion: Ross delays telling the truth.
- Builds tension before the revelation.

MACDUFF:

“And all my children?”

He asks about his children.
Analysis:
- The audience knows what’s coming, heightening the suspense.

ROSS:

“Well too.”

Ross gives another evasive answer.
Analysis:
- Shows his reluctance to break the terrible news.

MACDUFF:

“The tyrant has not battered at their peace?”

Has Macbeth harmed them?
Analysis:
- Metaphor: “Battered” suggests violent destruction.
- Implies Macduff already fears the worst.

ROSS:

“No, they were well at peace when I did leave ’em.”

Ross carefully words his response—Macduff’s family is “at peace,” but he means they are dead.
Analysis:
- Euphemism: “At peace” softens the blow.
- Dramatic irony: The audience understands before Macduff does.

MACDUFF:

“Be not a niggard of your speech. How goes ’t?”

Don’t be stingy with your words—just tell me what happened.
Analysis:
- Shows Macduff’s impatience.
- Raises suspense—Ross must reveal the truth.

ROSS:

“When I came hither to transport the tidings—”

When I came here to bring the news—
Analysis:
- Dramatic pause: Ross delays the revelation one last time.
- Suspense reaches its peak before he finally says Macbeth has murdered Macduff’s family.

ROSS:
“Which I have heavily borne, there ran a rumor
Of many worthy fellows that were out;”

Ross begins by expressing the burden of bad news he carries. He mentions that he has heard rumors of noblemen who have joined the rebellion against Macbeth. The phrase “heavily borne” suggests the emotional weight of the news he carries.

Analysis: Ross is hesitant to share what he knows, emphasizing the emotional difficulty of delivering painful truths.
Language Devices: Rumor suggests uncertainty, and worthy fellows indicates admiration for those opposing Macbeth.
Themes: Betrayal, loyalty, fate.

“Which was to my belief witnessed the rather
For that I saw the tyrant’s power afoot.”

Ross believes these rumors because he has seen Macbeth’s forces preparing for war.

Analysis: He implies that the rebellion is justified since Macbeth is actively enforcing his rule with violence.
Language Devices: Tyrant is a strong, loaded word showing Macbeth’s transformation into a cruel ruler.
Themes: Tyranny, justice, resistance.

“Now is the time of help. Your eye in Scotland
Would create soldiers, make our women fight
To doff their dire distresses.”

Ross urges Malcolm to return to Scotland, saying that just seeing him would inspire people to fight, even women who are usually not part of war. Doff means to remove, so Ross says their struggles will end if Malcolm leads them.

Analysis: This shows desperation in Scotland, where even women, who would not typically fight, are willing to resist Macbeth.
Language Devices: Hyperbole—the idea that just seeing Malcolm would create an army. Alliteration—“doff their dire distresses” emphasizes their suffering.
Themes: Hope, leadership, suffering, duty.

MALCOLM:
“Be ’t their comfort
We are coming thither. Gracious England hath
Lent us good Siward and ten thousand men;”

Malcolm reassures Ross that help is on the way. He has gained the support of England, which has sent General Siward along with ten thousand soldiers.

Analysis: Malcolm presents himself as a capable leader who has secured powerful allies.
Language Devices: Gracious England personifies England as generous and noble.
Themes: Leadership, foreign aid, resistance against tyranny.

“An older and a better soldier none
That Christendom gives out.”

Malcolm praises Siward as the best soldier in the Christian world.

Analysis: He boosts morale by emphasizing that they have not just numbers but also a highly skilled commander.
Language Devices: Superlative—“better soldier none” (no better soldier exists). Religious imagery—“Christendom” frames their cause as morally righteous.
Themes: War, divine justice, leadership.

ROSS:
“Would I could answer
This comfort with the like. But I have words
That would be howled out in the desert air,
Where hearing should not latch them.”

Ross wishes he could bring equally good news but instead has something so terrible that it should only be spoken in an empty wasteland where no one would have to hear it.

Analysis: Ross is struggling with how to tell Macduff the devastating news. He implies that no one should have to hear such grief.
Language Devices: Personification—“hearing should not latch them” makes hearing an active force. Imagery—the desert air suggests loneliness and desolation.
Themes: Grief, fate, tragic consequences.

MACDUFF:
“What concern they—
The general cause, or is it a fee-grief
Due to some single breast?”

Macduff asks whether the news concerns everyone (a general tragedy) or is personal (a fee-grief, meaning private sorrow).

Analysis: Macduff hopes that the bad news does not involve his family but still prepares himself.
Language Devices: Contrast between “general cause” and “single breast” shows the shift between public and personal loss.
Themes: Fate, family, personal tragedy.

ROSS:
“No mind that’s honest
But in it shares some woe, though the main part
Pertains to you alone.”

Ross says that every good person will feel sorrow over what has happened, but Macduff will feel it the most.

Analysis: This hints that the news affects the entire country but hits Macduff personally.
Language Devices: Ambiguity—Ross delays the painful truth, creating suspense.
Themes: Grief, fate, emotional burden.

MACDUFF:
“If it be mine,
Keep it not from me. Quickly let me have it.”

Macduff demands the truth immediately.

Analysis: This shows his courage and readiness to face reality.
Themes: Strength, tragedy, fate.

ROSS:
“Let not your ears despise my tongue forever,
Which shall possess them with the heaviest sound
That ever yet they heard.”

Ross fears that once he speaks, Macduff will hate him for bringing such heartbreaking news.

Analysis: Ross builds up the tension, preparing Macduff for the worst.
Language Devices: Personification—Ross’s “tongue” and Macduff’s “ears” take on human qualities. Hyperbole—“heaviest sound” emphasizes the weight of the news.
Themes: Grief, fate, suffering.

MACDUFF:
“Hum! I guess at it.”

Macduff already senses that something terrible has happened.

Themes: Intuition, fate, foreboding.

ROSS:
“Your castle is surprised, your wife and babes
Savagely slaughtered.”

Ross delivers the devastating news—Macduff’s entire family has been brutally murdered.

Analysis: The word “savagely” emphasizes the cruelty of Macbeth’s actions.
Themes: Violence, cruelty, revenge, family tragedy.

MACDUFF:
“He has no children.”

Macduff says that Macbeth could not possibly understand his pain because he does not have children himself.

Analysis: This suggests that revenge cannot be equal because Macbeth will never experience the same loss.
Themes: Revenge, fatherhood, grief.

MALCOLM:
“Dispute it like a man.”

Malcolm tells Macduff to channel his grief into action and fight back.

Analysis: Malcolm emphasizes masculinity as a response to loss, but Macduff challenges this idea.
Themes: Masculinity, grief, revenge.

MACDUFF:
“I shall do so,
But I must also feel it as a man.”

Macduff responds that being a man also means feeling sorrow, not just seeking revenge.

Analysis: This challenges the idea that men should not express emotion.
Themes: Masculinity, grief, emotional expression.

MALCOLM:
“Be this the whetstone of your sword. Let grief
Convert to anger.”

Malcolm tells Macduff to use his grief as fuel for revenge.

Language Devices: Metaphor—comparing grief to a whetstone sharpening a sword.
Themes: Revenge, justice, war.

MACDUFF:
“Front to front
Bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself.”

Macduff wants a direct confrontation with Macbeth.

Analysis: This foreshadows their final battle.
Themes: Revenge, fate, justice.

MALCOLM:
“The night is long that never finds the day.”

Malcolm ends with a hopeful note, suggesting that Macbeth’s reign (the night) is about to end and justice (the day) will come.

Language Devices: Metaphor—darkness represents Macbeth’s tyranny; day represents justice.
Themes: Hope, justice, fate.

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Tags:

“All my pretty ones? Did you say all?” emotional impact, “Be comforted. Let’s make us medicines of our great revenge” motivation, “Black Macbeth” vs. “gracious England” contrast, “Bleed, “Bring thou this fiend of Scotland and myself” resolution, “Dispute it like a man” gender roles discussion, “Fit to govern? No, “Front to front bring thou this fiend” revenge theme, “He has no children” tragic irony, “I must also feel it as a man” masculinity theme, “I shall do so, “Let us seek out some desolate shade” meaning, “Macbeth is ripe for shaking” foreshadowing, “Macduff, “New widows howl, “Receive what cheer you may” hope vs. despair, “Scotland hath more wealth than will come to good” political commentary, “The night is long that never finds the day” optimism theme, “The powers above put on their instruments” divine justice, “The queen that bore thee oftener upon her knees” meaning, “This tyrant, “Thy royal father was a most sainted king” Duncan’s legacy, “Unspeakable own villainy” deception theme, bleed, but I must also feel it as a man” Macduff’s humanity, King Edward’s healing powers symbolism, Macbeth Act 4 Scene 3 analysis, Macduff’s grief over his family, Macduff’s loyalty to Scotland, Malcolm and Macduff conversation explained, Malcolm testing Macduff’s loyalty, Malcolm’s false confession of vices, Malcolm’s leadership qualities, new orphans cry” significance, not to live” dramatic tension, poor country!” metaphor explained, this noble passion” turning point analysis, whose sole name blisters our tongues” line breakdown

Date:

August 1, 2024

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