Throughout this scene, dramatic irony is displayed due to the fact that the audience knows that Macduff’s family was murdered. At the time, however, Macduff didn't know the truth, which led to him saying that they were doing well. This response is important because Ross played a role in the murder of Macduff’s children, so he was hesitant in telling Macduff the truth. Ross knew the truth, but did nothing to stop it, so he might have felt guilty around Macduff. Additionally, telling one that their family had been killed by murderers is a very difficult thing to do; therefore, Ross would be reluctant in doing so because the news may be too difficult for Macduff to bear.
