Religion/Macduff

Question 1

“​most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope the lord’s anointed temple​”.

Answer 1

Macduff’s reaction to Duncan’s death is a​ long hyperbolic speech​, where he uses ​religious language​ to show his belief in the ‘​Divine Right of Kings​’. This shows Macduff to be adhering to the religious, moralistic thoughts of the historical period.
Macduff uses ​metaphorical language​ to describe Duncan’s death: “​most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope the lord’s anointed temple​”. His body is referred to as a “​temple​” in order to reinforce the holiness of Duncan’s reign. He recognises Duncan as the true, ​divinely ordained​, king; the “​Lord’s temple​” and thus God’s earthly deputy. Kings are anointed with ​holy oil​ at their coronation to signify this. Hence the murder is not just a crime (murder), it is an unforgivable sin against God, which is “​sacrilegious​” and​ unholy - tantamount​ (equivalent) to the murder of God himself.

Question 2

“​see the great doom’s image​

Answer 2

He also recognises that the murder will have greater consequences for Scotland as he states “​see the great doom’s image​”, which is a reference to judgment day. This suggests that he sees the ​death of the king​ as comparable to the end of the world – complete loyalty and devotion, or that perhaps, ending a​ divine bloodline’s​ right to the throne would enrage God. The ​natural order​ has been disturbed and thus ​chaos will ensue​, like at the end of the world.

Question 3

“​O horror, horror, horror​”

Answer 3

Macduff’s complete ​loyalty​ to Duncan and adherence to the ‘Divine Right of Kings’​ is demonstrated through a​ very emotional reaction to the death​ and Shakespeare’s use of the group of three “​O horror, horror, horror​” revealing Macduff’s distress and also his honour. Shakespeare employs​ repetition​ to emphasise the strength of this emotion. Macduff adopts the​ role of the judge​ in this play – he knows Macbeth is in the wrong. He will act on God’s behalf (in the absence of Duncan) to bring justice upon Macbeth. ​Judgment day for Macbeth​ – his actions will result in eternal damnation.

Question 4

“​Most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope the lord’s anointed temple​”

Answer 4

Shakespeare uses this ​metaphorical language​, in stating that Duncan’s body was a “​temple”​ , in order to reinforce the holiness of Duncan’s reign. He recognises Duncan as the true, ​divinely ordained​, king. This demonstrates Macduff’s loyalty to Scotland, in addition to his
intensely patriotic nature.