Macbeth - Macduff

Question 1

Act 2 Scene 3 - 1

Answer 1

‘O horror, horror, horror! Tongue nor heart Cannot conceive nor name thee!’

• Repetition of ‘horror’ highlights his initial shock and denial of Duncan’s death – loyalty to Duncan.
• Disrupted iambic pentameter reflects his panic and confusion. He is emotionally disturbed.
• Macduff refuses to ‘name thee’ reflects his morality as what he has seen is ineffable or indescribable.
• Repetition of negative – ‘nor’ / ‘cannot’ emphasizes his denial of the situation - he can barely comprehend the concept of regicide.

Question 2

Act 2 Scene 3 - 2

Answer 2

ʻApproach the chamber and destroy your sight with a new Gorgonʼ.
* reflects his panic and confusion. He is emotionally disturbed.
* The metaphorical comparison to a ‘gorgon’ heightens the sense of gravity by using a mythological reference - suggesting that the sight of the dead king is paralysing – Implies Macduff’s religious nature as he cannot tolerate the sight of regicide as it is said that the King is a godly figure

Question 3

Act 4 Scene 3 - 1

Answer 3

‘Fit to govern? No, not to live’.
* rhetorical repetition of Malcolm’s line reflects Macduff’s exasperation and desperation.
* language of negation ‘no, not’ confirms Macduff’s view that if integrity and morality are absent then you may as well die.
* He is taking a risk in speaking here so frankly to the son of King Duncan - reflects how he is determined to save Scotland.

Question 4

Act 4 Scene 3 - 2

Answer 4

‘Child of integrity’
* reveals trusted relationship with Malcolm who flatters Macduff with the use of the abstract noun ‘integrity’. Directly contrasts the amorality the audience has seen in Macbeth.
* ‘Child’ suggesting his innocence and lack of inner corruption. Confirms to Malcolm that he is authentic and truthful and noble.

Question 5

Act 4 Scene 3 - 3

Answer 5

All my pretty ones? Did you say all?
* Repetition of all implies his denial of his family’s death – Repeated question shows his shock at the news. This shows that he loves his family despite prioritising Scotland over his family.
* feminine language - ironic for a man who is hyper masculine warrior. His sentimentalisation contrasts Macbeth’s unfeeling wickedness

Question 6

Act 5 Scene 8 - 1

Answer 6

‘Turn, hell-hound, turn!’
* Repetition of the imperative verb ‘turn’ implies that Macduff is ready to take action and by commanding Macbeth (the King) Macduff shows his power over him.
* ‘Hell-hound’ - Religious imagery of ‘hell’ emphasises Macbeths evil. Hound alludes that Macbeth is a dog bestialising him into a servant of Satan emphasizing how Macbeth is feral and uncontrollable.

Question 7

Act 5 Scene 8 - 2

Answer 7

‘Macduff was ‘from his mother’s womb untimely ripped’
* use of dramatic irony reveals to Macbeth that his belief in the witches’ prophesies was unfounded. This pivotal statement is the undoing of Macbeth. Ironic that it comes from Macduff who has been Macbeth’s foil and nemesis throughout the play.
* Similarity of Macbeth and Macduff highlights the duality of man how they are 2 sides of the same coin – good v evil, integrity / selfless vs ambition / hubris – his fatal flaw

Question 8

quotes

Answer 8

**Act 2 Scene 3
**
* ‘O horror, horror, horror! Tongue nor heart Cannot conceive nor name thee!’
* ʻApproach the chamber and destroy your sight with a new Gorgonʼ.

**Act 4 Scene 3
**‘
* Fit to govern? No, not to live’.
* ‘Child of integrity’
* All my pretty ones? Did you say all?

**Act 5 Scene 8
**
* ‘Turn, hell-hound, turn!’
* ‘from his mother’s womb untimely ripped’