Macbeth- "The Time is Free"

     For me, the way I first interpreted this line is that Scotland is now free from the curse it was under during the reign of Macbeth. Like a spell being lifted, a burden has been lifted off of the people's shoulders, and now there will be good times ahead. Another way to interpret this is that time itself was kept prisoner under Macbeth's reign. With even nature reeling from Duncan's murder, it must have seemed like time was frozen during this nightmarish state, like it would never end. Now, time is free to move forward and go on like it's supposed to. Another way this line can be viewed is that the era of tyranny is over, and now the time of more freedom and order has begun. The time is now free, it is the beginning of a new era for Scotland. One final way this line can be thought of is that now there is no king to rule. With Macbeth dead and Malcolm not having yet assumed his rightful position on the throne, the government is in a bit of an anarchy. In other words, perhaps Macduff said this line to tell Malcolm to hurry up with making himself king, as there is no ruler currently.