Summary Of Act 4 Scene 3b Of Macbeth

In Act 4 Scene 3b of Shakespeare's Macbeth, Malcolm, Macduff, and Ross discuss the current state of Scotland. Malcolm asks a doctor if the King is coming out, and the doctor responds positively, and explains that there are sick people who can only be cured by the King's touch. Malcolm tells Macduff that the illness is known as "the evil," and that the King has the power to cure it with a golden stamp and holy prayers. The King is also said to have the gift of prophecy and is known for being kind. Ross enters and tells them that Scotland is in a bad state, with frequent violence and death causing despair. He says that every minute brings fresh sadness. When Macduff asks about his family, Ross admits to having bad news, but he is hesitant to share it because it is a heavy burden. Malcolm tries to console them by saying that ten

Although Ross is still worried because he has learned information that he cannot disclose. Macduff's concern for his family suggests that there may be personal tragedy, which could lead to a desire for revenge. Macduff asks if it's a general issue or something personal, and Ross says that anyone who is honest will feel the suffering, but the main part of it applies only to Macduff.
Grief and death are significant topics in this scene, with characters grappling with the impact of loss and the potential for further tragedy. There is frequent violence and death causing despair in Scotland. Additionally, Ross admits to having bad news but is hesitant to share it because it is a heavy burden. Macduff's concern for his family suggests the possibility of personal tragedy, which leads to the heavy topic of grief in this scene. Shakespeare often uses symbolism throughout the text to convey deeper meanings and themes. In this metaphor, Macduff affectionately refers to this wife and children as a family of chickens while also comparing