MacBeth Act 4, scene 3 Homework

1. Malcolm tests/ tricks MacDuff- How? Why? How does Macduff prove himself to Malcolm?

           

            Malcolm believes that MacDuff is a secret agent sent to lure Malcolm to his destruction in Scotland. Malcolm tests MacDuff by talking about what he would do as king. Malcolm says that he would make a bad king if they defeated MacBeth. Scotland would not be happy under his rule. Malcolm lies that he has an impossible lust that would only get worse as he devoured all the women of Scotland. MacDuff finally shows concern for his country by agreeing that Malcolm would be a horrible ruler (Lines 103-114) and is a terrible person in general. He wouldn’t be able to stand a ruler that would do such things to Scotland. Then, Malcolm takes everything he said back and they become allies.

2. What is the subtext of Ross’s lines to MacDuff when MacDuff inquires about his wife and children? (Lines 203-208) How might Ross say this on stage?

            “Well” normally means fine, doing good, etc. However, the subtext of “well” is “at peace,” meaning at rest. When MacDuff asks about his wife and children, Ross’s response includes “well” for both of them. They are both well off in heaven. Ross might give the audience a wink, avoid eye contact with MacDuff, or he may pause before he says the word “well”.

3.MacDuff has 4 reactions (group his first two lines together) to the news of his family that Ross brings. Paraphrase each (lines 248-276, only MacDuff’s parts). What conclusions can you draw about his emotional process here?)

Reaction 1: Line 250- He is sad, regretful for not being there

Of course I was gone for this! Was my wife killed too?

Reaction 2: Lines 255- 258- He is angry

MacBeth does not know what it is like to have children. You mean all my pretty children? Did you say all? All? All of my pretty children and their mother fell at one attack?

Reaction 3: Lines 227-236- He is being hard on himself. Blames himself. He feels guilty.

I can’t help remembering that they were so precious to me. Did heaven just look down at this and not do anything about it? It is all my fault! Stupid MacDuff.  The wicked man that I am, and they are the ones being punished, even though they did not do anything wrong. I was the reason they were murdred. Let them find rest in heaven.

Reaction 4: Lines 237-241- He becomes revengeful and anticipates attack

I can keep on crying like a woman and bragging about how I will avenge them! But gentle heavens- don’t keep me waiting. Bring me face to face with the demon of Scotland, MacBeth. Put him near my sword, and if he escapes, heaven forgive him.