Macbeth Act 4, Scene 3 Analysis

What title does Malcolm use to describe Macbeth?

What does Malcolm mean by describing King Edward as 'full of grace'?

Macduff decides to act against Macbeth before he learns about his family's murder.

What dramatic irony is present in Macduff's statement about the horrors of Macbeth's reign?

What symbol does Malcolm use when he mentions 'the sweet milk of concord'?

What does Malcolm encourage Macduff to do in response to his family's death?

Macduff wants to respond to the death of his family with weakness and sorrow.

What does Macduff express disbelief about after learning of his family's fate?

What is Macduff's reaction after discovering the murder of his family?

Key Quotes and Analysis

Malcolm calls Macbeth 'Black Macbeth', highlighting his evil nature, contrasting with his description of King Edward as 'full of grace', signifying virtue and moral leadership.
Macduff expresses dramatic irony with 'Bleed, bleed, poor country...and the rich East to boot', lamenting the suffering under Macbeth's rule while remaining unaware of his family's murder. This moment foreshadows his eventual change of heart upon learning of their deaths.
The quote 'had I power, I should pour the sweet milk of concord into hell' illustrates Malcolm's testing of Macduff's loyalty. The mention of milk reflects innocence, paralleling Lady Macbeth's earlier references, and suggests a potential shift to chaos in Scotland.
Malcolm urges Macduff to 'dispute it like a man', instilling the idea that expressing grief is a sign of weakness. This reflects Lady Macbeth's manipulation of Macbeth's masculinity. Macduff counters, asserting his need to mourn, revealing the tension between traditional masculinity and authentic emotion.
Macduff's repeated questioning about his family’s fate, such as 'all my children' and 'my wife killed too?', portrays his denial and devastation upon learning of their murder. This repetition emphasizes his disbelief and emotional turmoil.
In response to his family’s tragic fate, Macduff declares, 'Bring thou this fiend of Scotland', showcasing his intense desire for vengeance against Macbeth, marking a pivotal shift from grief to a quest for justice.

Explore key quotes and their analysis from Act 4, Scene 3 of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. This quiz highlights important lines and contrasts between characters, deepening your understanding of the themes and language in the play.