Macduff

Question 1

1. “Most sacrilege murder hath broke ope the Lords most annointed temple and stole hence the life of the building.”
   A2 S3

Answer 1

1.Shows that Macduff believes that the murder is a violation of God’s will and the Great Chain of Being
2. Respects Duncan’s divine right to rule and his sanctity
3. Likened to a sacred place
4. Not just the loss of the leader, but a destabilisation that threatens the kingdom
5. Shows his reverence for God and his king, loyalty to the established order.

Question 2

2. “each morn, new widows howl, new orphans cry new sorrows strike heaven on the face.”
   A4, S3

Answer 2

1. Pervasive and continuous cycle of suffering, shows his awareness of the widespread devastation
2. Deep empathy for victims of violence
3. Evokes a sense of raw emotion and despair, could also refer to his own family being killed.
4. So widespread it reaches the heavens
5. Sense of helplessness in the face of adversity
6. Call to restoring righteousness

Question 3

3. “I must also feel it like a man.” a4 s3

Answer 3

1. Societal expectations of men to be stoic in the face of grief
2. Despite these expectations, manhood comprises of more than aggression but also sensitivity and allowing oneself to feel grief
3. His unwavering resolve in the midst of tragedy
4. His commitment to his duty as a leader for the greater good of Scotland

Question 4

4. “turn hellhound.” a5 s8

Answer 4

1. Derogatory term to liken Macbeth to a merciless force of evil
2. Scathing epithet shows the depth of revulsion and contempt for Macbeth
3. Righteous avenger and reaches a place of catharsis

Question 5

5. “Let the angel whom thou still hast served, tell thee Macduff was from his womb untimely ripped.” a5 s8

Answer 5

1. Vivid and visceral imagery of his birth
2. Vulnerability humanises him as it contrasts with his previously resolute persona
3. Some sort of poetic justice

Question 6

6. “Behold where stands the usurpers head.” a5 s8

Answer 6

1. Vivid image of his severed head, physical manifestation of Macbeth’s downfall, dramatic and final
2. Condemns his unlawful seizure of power
3. Shows how Macduff views Macbeth as morally corrupt
4. Sense of catharsis, vindication and triumph
5. Paints him as a champion of justice.