MACBETH ACT FOUR SCENE THREE

 Macduff’s loyalty to Scotland leads him to agree that Malcolm is not fit to govern Scotland and perhaps not even to live. In giving voice to his disparagement, Macduff has passed Malcolm’s test of loyalty. Malcolm then retracts the lies he has put forth about his supposed shortcomings and embraces Macduff as an ally. A doctor appears briefly and mentions that a “crew of wretched souls” waits for King Edward so they may be cured . When the doctor leaves, Malcolm explains to Macduff that King Edward has a miraculous power to cure disease.

Outside King Edward’s palace, Malcolm speaks with Macduff, telling him that he does not trust him since he has left his family in Scotland and may be secretly working for Macbeth. To determine whether Macduff is trustworthy, Malcolm rambles on about his own vices. He admits that he wonders whether he is fit to be king, since he claims to be lustful, greedy, and violent. At first, Macduff politely disagrees with his future king, but eventually Macduff cannot keep himself from crying out, “O Scotland, Scotland!”

Ross enters. He has just arrived from Scotland, and tells Macduff that his wife and children are well. He urges Malcolm to return to his country, listing the woes that have befallen Scotland since Macbeth took the crown. Malcolm says that he will return with ten thousand soldiers lent him by the English king. Then, breaking down, Ross confesses to Macduff that Macbeth has murdered his wife and children. Macduff is crushed with grief. Malcolm urges him to turn his grief to anger, and Macduff assures him that he will inflict revenge upon Macbeth.

(Adapted from spark notes.)

Analysis:

Towards the end of this scene Malcolm receives support from Edward the Confessor. The English King had a reputation of being able to cure the sick.  He was regarded as a good and kindly King, who used supernatural forces for the benefit of his people.

The reference to the King of England indicates that Malcolm is the only one that can cure all Scotland’s ills, which emanate from the King.

Malcolm and his followers are, therefore, on the side of good, whilst Macbeth consorts with the devil.