Character Analysis Macduff

Question 1

What is the meaning of a FOIL character ?

Answer 1

Contests elements of other characters or highlight aspects of that character
With Macduff he juxtaposes Macbeths loyalty and highlight Macbeths transgressions to the audience

Question 2

When is the most notable instance of Macduff being a FOIL character ?

Answer 2

When Banquo dies and the rest of the play, Macduff is seen to take on the role of Banquo as being the honorable and loyal man ( the ideal of a Noble man)

Question 3

What is a good overview point for Macduff sort of like an intro or buffer for any points ?

Answer 3

Macbeth turns his back through selfish greed on the established social system and tradition by killing Duncan
Macduff does the complete opposite as he sacrifices everything to see the rightful heir to the throne and restore order

Question 4

How does Shakespeare use structure in regards to Macduff ?

Answer 4

Macduff first appears in Act 2
Macduff arrives moments after Duncan’s death as he ultimately avenges Duncan

Question 5

What is the best point for Macduff being a FOIL to Macbeth? honestly a cheecky and deviant one

Answer 5

A4 S3
- Macduff learns of his families death and he calls upon heaven where as LM and M kill Duncan they call for heavens to look away
- ‘ gentle heavens’ ‘ heaven’ Macduff Act 4 scene 3
- conforms to the idea of Macduff being the ideal subject as he evokes food to secure the knowledge of his revenge being righteous and a holy war to restore balance and order
- tie this in with historical context

Question 6

How does Macduff show great loyalty to his country in Act 4 scene 3?

Answer 6

‘ bleed bleed poor country’ Macduff
‘ O Scotland, Scotland’
- Shakespeare use of repetitions in both of these lines highlights the strength of Macduff loyalty and nationalistic pride
- his Loyalty is unwavering

Question 7

How does Malcolm test Macduff in Act 4 scene 3 and how does he respond ??

Answer 7

‘ pour the sweet milk of concord into hell’ Malcolm ‘ confound all unity on earth’
- Macduff does not overlook these comments as he still remains noble by saying ‘ fit to govern? Not fit live’
- Shakespeare presents the idea of loyal subjects who tries to maintain the divine right of kings and the theory of the great chain of being
- Makes Macbeths disregard for the established social hierarchy emphasized to the audiance