Macbeth · Chapter
Scene III explained
In England, Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty by falsely claiming to be more vicious than Macbeth.
What happens
In England, Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty by falsely claiming to be more vicious than Macbeth. After Macduff despairs for Scotland, Malcolm reveals his true virtuous nature and they ally with Siward's army. Ross arrives with news of Macbeth's slaughter of Macduff's family, and Macduff vows revenge.
Themes in this chapter
Kingship and Tyranny
Malcolm's false confession of vices contrasts with Macbeth's tyranny, exploring what makes a good king.
Appearance vs. Reality
Malcolm pretends to be evil to test Macduff's honesty, while Macduff's grief reveals his true loyalty.
Violence and Masculinity
Macduff's grief is challenged by Malcolm to 'dispute it like a man', linking emotion to masculine honor.
Characters to notice
- Malcolm
Tests Macduff's loyalty by feigning vices, then reveals his true character and allies with Macduff.
- Macduff
Passes Malcolm's test, learns of his family's murder, and vows revenge against Macbeth.
- Ross
Brings news of Macbeth's attack on Macduff's castle and the slaughter of his family.
- Doctor
Briefly appears to inform Malcolm that the English king is curing the 'king's evil'.
- Siward
Mentioned as leading ten thousand English soldiers to aid Malcolm.
Key passages
“Let us rather Hold fast the mortal sword, and like good men Bestride our down-fall’n birthdom”
Let us instead take up arms and defend our fallen homeland like brave men.
Macduff urges action over lamentation.
“This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues, Was once thought honest”
This tyrant, whose very name makes us wince, was once considered honorable.
Malcolm reflects on Macbeth's former reputation.
“Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell”
Angels remain radiant even after the brightest one fell from heaven.
Malcolm implies that goodness persists despite betrayal.
“Bleed, bleed, poor country! Great tyranny! lay thou thy basis sure”
Let Scotland bleed under tyranny, which now seems firmly established.
Macduff despairs at the state of Scotland.
“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”
Even if I defeat Macbeth, my country might suffer worse under my rule.
Malcolm feigns self-doubt to test Macduff.
“Not in the legions Of horrid hell can come a devil more damn’d In evils to top Macbeth”
Not even the worst devil in hell could surpass Macbeth in evil.
Macduff insists no one could be worse than Macbeth.