Macduff

Question 1

Key words

Answer 1

Archetypal hero , loyal , morally sound , sensitive , foil to Macbeth , valiant , restores order, avenging hero

Question 2

I have no words ; my voice is my sword

Answer 2

Emphasise on Macduff heroic qualities and draws on a key idiom , actions speak louder than words

Question 3

Dichotomy (contrast)

Answer 3

The avenging hero creates a dichotomy between Macduff and Macbeth , between good and evil

Question 4

Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope the lords anointed temple “

Answer 4

Religious semantic field “sacrilegious” “anointed” create image of sacredness and holiness. Macduff extreme distress that the king , divinely ordained by god has been callously murder despite his sacrednesss.
His hyperbolic language and reaction reinforces how Macduff abides strictly to the religious moral code

Question 5

O horror horror horror

Answer 5

Shakespeares use of reception emphasises the strength of Macduff devastated emotions . Reaction to finding family dead. Similar to Macbeth reaction to Duncan’s death , rep of sleep. Motif for peace as he’s mentally tainted

Question 6

“I am not treacherous “

Answer 6

Loyalty explicitly clear. Creates distance between Macbeth and Macduff who embodies treachery . Foil to Macbeth

Question 7

Turn hell hound turn

Answer 7

Rep of turn emphasises extent to which Macbeth has turned order on its head . Epithet hellhound highlight nature of tyrant king

Question 8

O Scotland .. o nation miserable

Answer 8

Microcosm for Scot , emphasising own emotions mirror the state of the country . Macduff foil to mb through his overt patriotism