Macbeth - MACDUFF Flashcards
How is Macduff presented in the text
Presented as a foil to Macbeth as he contrasts Macbeth
How is Macduff presented a a positive good character
Macbeth becomes selfish once he gains the throne whereas Macduff sacrifices everything he has such as his wife , children and castle to see the rightful air of the throne and restore the balance and equilibrium of the country. Through Macduff’s character the audience see the correct choices and actions that should be taken by a good subject
How is Macduff presented as a caring character
When he travels to England in A4S3 to meet with Malcolm to get the support he needs to remove Macbeth from the throne he expresses his deep concern for his country- “bleed, bleed, poor country !” “O Scotland, Scotland!”
“bleed, bleed, poor country !” “O Scotland, Scotland!” Meaning
Repetition in both lines highlights the pure strength of Macduff’s emotions. It’s very clear that Macduff’s loyalties lie with his nations. This shows his caring personality towards his home and shows a lack of selfishness
How does Macduff contrast Macbeth
Macduff’s sacrifices and ultimate loyalty to protect the nation and care for them makes Macbeth’s disregard for it stand out a lot more
How does Macduff also propose violence
After Macbeth kills Macduff’s family Macduff is secure in the knowledge that his desire for revenge is righteous. Shown when he asks ‘gentle heavens’ to bring Macbeth before his sword so he can deal with him. Goes on to commute regicide and lets his evil side take over - good vs evil - goes against Christianity and could meet Satan
How is Macduff shown when he finds out about the death
He finds out first in act 2 scene 3
Stage direction “enters Macduff”
Significantly he discovers the violation of Divine right of kings also signifies and foreshadows how he will be the one in act 5 who restores the ‘natural order’ by killing Macbeth
How is Macduff presented as shocked and hurt
“Horror, horror, horror” when he sees Duncan’s dead body
Repetition emphasises how unthinkable the act of regicide was during this time
How is Macduff shown to be shocked
“Tongue nor heart can conceive”
Meaning nobody can conceive in their minds or hearts of killing the king
Tongue and heart belong to semantic field of body parts which show unnatural this killing is
How is Macduff’s emotions significant
He publicly exhibits emotional behaviour and thoughts when Duncan dies and when talking about his country. Expressing emotional behaviour like this was considered a female trait at the time in the Jacobean era
How does Macduff link to kingship context theme
He is the true heir, representative of the cynicality of the play. He was born by a ceserean birth, fulfilling the prophecy
