Macbeth characters - Macduff

Question 1

“Lest our old robes sit easier than our new” - Macduff

Answer 1

Shakespeare reveals Macduff’s bleak perception of Scotland’s future under Macbeth as he uses the extended metaphor to predict Scotland will change for the worse
- He is suggesting that there will be
chaos and a divergence from the
peace of the past when King Duncan
was the ruler

Question 2

“O horror, horror, horror!”

Answer 2

• repetition of horror suggests his
  genuine shock and grief. He cannot
  articulate his feelings
• Discovers violation of the divine rights of kings. this foreshadows he will be the one to restore the natural order
• Immediately shows his love for Duncan and how there are themes of revenge already starting to creep into his character
• repetition of horror is mirrored to the rule of three chanting the witches repeatedly use. this conveys the witches chaos begin to permeate the castle

Question 3

“bleed, bleed, poor country! Great tyranny!”

Answer 3

• shows Macduff’s concerns for his country are deep and genuine - emphasis his patriotism
• The personification of “bleed, bleed” through its connotations of gore and bloodshed, likens Scotland to that of a dying, suffering creature in agony under Mabeth’s reign