This scene is in Macduffs castle (Macduff has fled to England so is not present) and starts with Lady Macduff, her Son, and Rosse (a lord) talking about how rude, sad, and disloyal it is that Macduff has left Scotland, and his family, in these dangerous times. Lady Macbeth decides he is a traitor, being a coward and leaving when “The most diminutive of birds, will fight, Her young ones in her nest, against the owl.” and may as well be dead for all the good he is doing to them. Rosse disagrees and says he is a wise man, but admits that these days its hard to tell who is right or wrong, a traitor or honest, etc, and then quickly excuses himself and leaves. (probably realising the venerable situation of the Macduffs.) She then has a conversation with her son about how he is fatherless, witch leads onto another conversation about how messed up the world is and its hard to tell right from wrong. Then a messenger appears and warns them to run because someone is here to kill them, then leaves quickly. Lady Macduff says that although she has done nothing wrong, no-one will care and it will not be much of excuse. Then the murders come and kill Macduffs Son, while Lady Macduff runs out crying “Murder!”
A important part of this scene is that it emphasises the poor state of Scotland after Duncans death, there is no distinguishing from good and bad, and fairness and justice has disappeared, and overall the countries order is crumbling. This will be because Macbeth went against God and now the aftermath of his deeds is being played out.
