Sunday, December 20, 2015

Why does Ross say the following in Act IV, Scene 3 of Macbeth?When Macduff asks Ross about his family, Ross replies, "...they were well at peace...

In Shakespeare's Macbeth, Ross is hesitant to share such bad news with Macduff.  He simply doesn't want to break the bad news to him.


Notice that it just takes a little prodding before he gives up the information.  He is not trying to lie or keep anything from Macduff, he is just reluctant. 


He may be a little intimidated, too.  Macduff is a fierce warrior, and Ross's news is not good. 


When this is performed, actors who play Ross often show this in their facial expressions and verbal hesitations, as if Ross is sizing up the situation and just gives up saying what he should say at the last second. 


This is one of the moments that is left to directors and actors to interpret and perform accordingly.  But one thing is certain, Ross means no harm.    

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