Final answer:
Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty by feigning to be morally corrupt to see if Macduff remains true to the Scottish royal family. Macduff proves his loyalty, and Malcolm contrasts Macduff's honor against 'Devilish Macbeth,' finalizing their alliance against Macbeth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Malcolm's test of Macduff's loyalty is a pivotal moment in William Shakespeare's play, Macbeth. Through this ruse, Malcolm seeks to ascertain Macduff's true intentions and allegiance to the Scottish royal family amid the turmoil and treachery that has plagued their land.
Malcolm portrays himself as corrupt and unworthy to rule, to which Macduff reacts with despair—not for Malcolm's moral decline but for Scotland's bleak future under such a ruler.
Subsequently, Malcolm reveals his deception, applauding Macduff's display of integrity and honour. He contrasts Macduff's noble character against the 'Devilish Macbeth,' whose betrayal and regicide have cast a shadow over Scotland. In the end, Malcolm expresses his complete trust in Macduff, and together they plan the overthrow of Macbeth and the restoration of rightful leadership to their country.
The scenes provided are critical to understanding the characters' moral compasses, ambitions, and justifications for their actions. They offer a glance at the dynamics of power, loyalty, and deception, as well as the internal and external conflicts that drive the plot of Macbeth.