Student Question
In which act and scene does Macduff prove his loyalty to Scotland in Macbeth?
Quick answer:
Macduff proves his loyalty to Scotland in Act 4, Scene 3 of Macbeth. In this scene, Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty by pretending to have many vices and questioning his intentions. Despite Malcolm's doubts and accusations, Macduff remains steadfast in his commitment to Scotland and insists that Malcolm, as the rightful heir, must return to save the country from Macbeth's tyranny. Convinced of Macduff's sincerity, Malcolm acknowledges his loyalty and agrees to return.
In Act 4, Scene 3 Malcolm tests Macduff’s loyalty.
Malcolm was King Duncan’s oldest son, but still quite young. When Macbeth killed his father, he fled to England. He did not just sit back and pout though. Instead, he raised an army. Since there was betrayal everywhere, he needed to make sure that Macduff was completely loyal to him. In line 20, Macduff says he is not treacherous.
It is myself I mean, in whom I know
All the particulars of vice so grafted
That, when they shall be open'd,
(Act 4, scene 3, p. 68)
Malcolm tells Macduff that compared to him, Macbeth will seem as white as snow. He talks about whether he is fit to govern, and even tells Macduff that the daughters of the kingdom will not be safe from his lust.
Macduff stays true. He is loyal and honest, and stands by Malcolm. ...
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Malcolm is convinced that he is loyal, and he will be a good lieutenant in the war to regain the throne from the bloody tyrant Macbeth.
In which act and scene of Macbeth does Malcolm test Macduff?
It is in Act IV, Scene 3 that Malcolm, son of Duncan, tests the nobleman Macduff.
Realizing that his father, King Duncan, died because he trusted Macbeth, Malcolm has become skeptical and wary of others. For this reason, Malcolm seeks to ascertain that Macduff has not been sent by Macbeth; so, in order to test Macduff's loyalty to Scotland, Malcolm pretends to have many vices. Scene 3 opens with Malcolm and Macduff talking in private:
Macduff immediately declares his love for Scotland and the dire situation of the country in which
New widows howl, new orphans cry, new sorrows
Strike heaven on the face...(4.3.5-6)
But, Malcolm questions Macduff's sincerity by responding that Macduff was once one of Macbeth's favorites. He wonders aloud if Macduff wishes to betray him to Macbeth. Then, he asks Macduff why he has left his wife and child to come to England, seeking him. Macduff responds that Scotland is bleeding from the tyranny of Macbeth, and it needs Malcolm to take the throne as the son of King Duncan. Malcolm explains that he is merely trying to protect himself. Further, he describes his faults as worse than Macbeth's:
It is myself I mean, in whom I know
All the particulars of vice so grafted
That, when they shall be opened, black Macbeth
Will seem as pure as snow, and the poor state
Esteem him as a lamb, being compared
With my confineless harms. (4.3.51-56)