Macduff Flashcards
(16 cards)
How does Shakespeare present Macduff in such stark contrast to macbeth?
Macduff is the antithesis of macbeth. The two characters embody the fight between good and evil.
Arguably the characters also have biblical symbolism - a representation of sin being defeated and order restored.
How do Macbeth’s and Macduff’s manhood differ?
Macduff has the opposite definition of manhood to macbeth - he doesn’t resist emotion but embraces it.
What is the difference between Macbeths and Macduff’s bravery?
- Macbeth’s bravery comes from hubris, and it has been clear that he’s been a coward since Act 1 when he killed Duncan in his sleep.
- Macduff’s bravery is pure and honourable and he succeeds in killing Macbeth in battle.
Analyse Macduff’s response to Duncan’s death.
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.’most sacrilegious murder hath broke ope the lords anointed temple’. Duncan’s body is referred to as a ‘temple’ in order to reinforce the holiness of Duncan’s reign. He recognises Duncan as the divinely ordained king.
State 2 key characteristics of Macduff’s personality.
- Sensitive
- Patriotic
State 3 quotations that support Macduff’s emotional sensitivity.
- ‘Grief convert to anger’.
- ‘all my pretty ones? my children too?’
- ‘No children’.
Analyse the quotation ‘grief convert to anger’.
Macduff differs from the other male characters in the play; he publicly exhibits emotional behaviour, something which was considered a female trait at the time. Macduff’s violence is not dangerous like Macbeth’s; it comes from love for his family and country; it is ‘grief covert to anger’. This is demonstrated by his very emotional reaction to the death of his family.
Analyse the quotation ‘ all my pretty ones? my children too?’
Macduff’s disbelief that Macbeth has heartlessly murdered his family is highlighted through Shakespeare’s use of rhetorical questions. These reveal his flabbergasted state as he cannot comprehend Macbeth’s actions. He is the antithesis to Macbeth, who’s selfish ambition is placed before all else, including emotional sensitivity and morals.
State 2 quotations that support Macduff’s patriotic attitude.
- ‘Bleed bleed poor country’
- ‘fit to govern? No not to live!’
Analyse the quotation ‘bleed bleed poor country’.
- Macduff brings truth to the deception that has been Macbeth’s reign, exposing him for what he is.
- The phrase ‘bleed bleed’ personifies Scotland, portraying it as a wounded body, suffering under Macbeth’s tyrannical rule.
- This reinforces the idea that the way a Monarch rules a country impacts the whole land to its core.
- This also relates to the divine right of kings.
Analyse the quotation ‘new windows howl, new orphans cry’.
- Shakespeare utilises Macduff as a literary construct to shed light upon the terrible state of Scotland, and emphasises Macbeth’s villainy by presenting Macduff as his antithesis and contrasting their actions.
- The nouns ‘widow’ and ‘orphan’ highlight the bloodshed and havoc Macbeth’s reign has wreaked across Scotland.
- Shakespeare’s use of zoomorphism evokes a sense of sympathy for the Women and Children in Scotland, with the verb ‘howl’ connoting pain and sadness.
Analyse the quotation ‘O horror, horror, horror’.
- The short sentence ’O horror, horror horror’ greatly contrast to Macbeth’s rambling speech and reveals his deep loyalty and reverence to the King.
- The triadic structure of the noun ‘horror’ emphasises Macduff’s genuine disgust at what has happened.
Why is Macduff’s murder of Macbeth so poignant?
- Macduff’s murder of Macbeth is seen as a significant moment in the play, as this is the moment where good triumphs over evil.
- ## Macduff is seen as the hero releasing Scotland from its suffering under Macbeth’s tyrannical rule, and restoring order to the divine right of kings.
Analyse the quotation ‘fit to govern? No not to live!’
- Through Shakespeare’s use of rhetorical question and hypophora, Macduff’s hatred of tyranny and complete loyalty to Scotland is emphasised.
- His hatred of Macbeth’s tyrannical rule is reinforced by his immeadiate attempts to oppose Macbeth with an army from England.
- Shakespeare presents Macduff as a stereotypical, idealised soldier, with profound loyalty for his king and country.
How does Macduff relate to the divine right of kings?
- Kingship and Loyalty were important aspects of Jacobean life and regicide was viewed as the utmost evil and against the Divine Right of Kings.
- ## A contemporary audience would have understood Macduff’s role in restoring order and replacing macbeth with the rightful heir to the throne.
How does Macduff challenge traditional gender roles?
- Macduff’s character challenges traditional representation of masculinity in the scenes where he conveys his overwhelming grief and vulnerability.
- This expression of his feelings would have been unconventional during that Jacobean era.
- Macduff’s emotional depth and sensitivity is juxtaposed with Shakespeare’s presentation of masculinity through Macbeth, who is associated with brutality and violence.
