Scene 1:

The scene begins with the witches exhibiting their evil powers. The ordering of scenes is expected, as Macbeth, in the act prior states he will visit the weird sisters and he arrives in this scene. In this scene Macbeth seeks more information from the witches, and the witches show him three apparitions. The give Macbeth cryptic warnings, first, to fear Macduff, second; that “none of woman born shall harm Macbeth” and finally that “Macbeth shall never vanquished be, until Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill Shall come against him” When Macbeth demands to know more, eight figures of kings appear before him, Banquo’s descendants, and the ghost of Banquo. The witches then disappear, while Macbeth summons Lenox, who informs Macbeth that Macduff has fled to England.

Scene 2:

On stage now are Lady Macduff, her son, and Ross. Lady Macduff is questioning Ross as to why her husband has left for England, and Ross attempts to justify Macduff’s actions. After Ross leaves, Lady Macduff questions her son about his future. The son is a bright boy, and comments on the amount of dishonest people in the world. A messenger enters and warns Lady Macduff of impending danger. She is hesitant about whether she should leave or not, and when she is contemplating, the murderer enters. The murderer is looking for Macduff, accusing him of being a traitor. The son defends his father, and as a result, gets killed by the murderer, while Lady Macduff escapes. This scene makes chronological sense, as Macbeth has found out that Macduff is to be feared, and he acts on these fears by sending the murderer to Macduff’s castle. However dramatic irony occurs in the next scene, as Macduff does not know what has transpired yet.

Scene 3:

The setting has now changed to England and in this scene is Macduff and Malcolm. The two of them are discussing the state that Scotland has come to, and who should rule in Macbeth’s stead. Malcolm reveals his many shortcomings, and Macduff despairs. However, it turns out that Malcolm was testing Macduff, and by his reaction, Malcolm sees that Macduff is an honorable person. After, is it revealed that King Edward, who supposedly possessed healing powers, will be making an entrance. He is praised as being holy. Ross then enters the scene, having arrived from Scotland. He gives news to Macduff that his family is well, but this is not the case, as the aud!ience has already discovered. Ross then tells them of the horrible events happening in Scotland, and asks Malcolm to return to Scotland. Malcolm states that he will, with the ten thousand soldiers lent to him by King Edward. Ross then reveals the truth about Macduff’s family, and Macduff, suffering from grief at first, vows revenge on Macbeth.

Dramatic Structure

-In terms of dramatic structure, this act would be part of the falling action, as it is happening after the climax, macbeth’s murder of Duncan. At this point, the play is centered around the eventual demise of Macbeth, and Macduff and Malcolm’s actions which lead to it.

Additional Scene:

-An additional scene could be included where there is detail given to creating image of Macduff as noble and heroic.  The ending of the third scene ended with Macduff swearing revenge on Macbeth, which makes the character seem as if he is fixated on this revenge, however, another scene could be taken to highlight Macduff’s heroic qualities, and allow the audience to sympathize with him. The additional scene could be a conversation between Macduff and King Edward, where a reference of his past heroism is mentioned.