The exchange between MacDuff and Malcolm serves for Shakespeare to examine the difference between a tyrannical ruler and a noble/just ruler. Malcolm presents many different terrible traits, many of which he compares with the tyranny that Macbeth has presented, in order to demonstrate what negative impact tyrannical rule has on a country. However, for the purpose of the play Malcolm is truly just presenting this image of the tyrannical ruler to test MacDuff's loyalty to...
The exchange between MacDuff and Malcolm serves for Shakespeare to examine the difference between a tyrannical ruler and a noble/just ruler. Malcolm presents many different terrible traits, many of which he compares with the tyranny that Macbeth has presented, in order to demonstrate what negative impact tyrannical rule has on a country. However, for the purpose of the play Malcolm is truly just presenting this image of the tyrannical ruler to test MacDuff's loyalty to Scotland and ensure that he has not been sent by Macbeth to lure MacDuff into his demise. When MacDuff hears the full extent to which Malcolm claims to be a tyrant, he acknowledges that Malcolm should not be allowed to rule if he is truly the tyrant he claims to be. This shows incredible honesty and loyalty to Scotland because he is willing to openly tell Malcolm that he is not fit to rule if he is a tyrant like Macbeth. This in turn buys Malcolm's trust and he enlists MacDuff's help in defeating Macbeth. From a thematic perspective, Shakespeare uses this exchange to develop the message that tyrannical rule of any form cannot be best for a country and must be overthrown by a just and noble ruler who possesses many of the virtuous traits that MacDuff exemplifies.
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