The Importance of Macduff in the Play Essay Example
The importance of Macduff in the play. from Keynotes
Although the character is not developed in any great detail, Macduff performs a number of important dramatic functions. His reaction to discovering that Duncan has been murdered underlines the gravity of Macbeth’s crime. Macduff is a shrewd character, and the first to suspect Macbeth. After Macduff departs for England, he becomes a symbol of hope for his suffering country, later playing a central role in the counter movement against Macbeth. He ultimately reveals the hollowness of the witches’ prophecies when he tells Macbeth how he was born. Macduff is the embodiment of vengeance and justice and helps to restore the natural order. He is a true Scottish patriot and a symbol of loyalty and integrity.
It is Macduff who discovers that Duncan has been murdered after he comes to Dunsinane to awaken the king and escort him home. His outraged reaction underscores the enormity of the crime of regicide: “Most sacrilegious murder hath broken open the Lord’s anointed temple and stolen thence the life o’ the building!’ At that time the king was seen as God’s representative on earth. It is Macduff who reminds us that the killing of Duncan was regarded as a grave offence against God.
Macduff is the first to suspect Macbeth. After Macbeth announces that he has killed Duncan’s guards, Macduff coldly asks him: ‘Wherefore did you so?‘ His refusal to go to Scone to see Macbeth being crowned underlines his suspicions of him. Macduff’s shrewdness is also evident in the manner in which he keeps his thoughts and plans to himself. In the atmosphere of mistrust and intrigue that characterises Macbeth’s reign, Macduff acts rather than talks. Ross pays tribute to Macduff’s judgement and wisdom when he tells Lady Macduff that her husband is ‘noble, wise, judicious and best knows the fits of the season.’
By departing for England, Macduff becomes a symbol of hope for his suffering country. The conversation
Although the character is not developed in any great detail, Macduff performs a number of important dramatic functions. His reaction to discovering that Duncan has been murdered underlines the gravity of Macbeth’s crime. Macduff is a shrewd character, and the first to suspect Macbeth. After Macduff departs for England, he becomes a symbol of hope for his suffering country, later playing a central role in the counter movement against Macbeth. He ultimately reveals the hollowness of the witches’ prophecies when he tells Macbeth how he was born. Macduff is the embodiment of vengeance and justice and helps to restore the natural order. He is a true Scottish patriot and a symbol of loyalty and integrity.
It is Macduff who discovers that Duncan has been murdered after he comes to Dunsinane to awaken the king and escort him home. His outraged reaction underscores the enormity of the crime of regicide: “Most sacrilegious murder hath broken open the Lord’s anointed temple and stolen thence the life o’ the building!’ At that time the king was seen as God’s representative on earth. It is Macduff who reminds us that the killing of Duncan was regarded as a grave offence against God.
Macduff is the first to suspect Macbeth. After Macbeth announces that he has killed Duncan’s guards, Macduff coldly asks him: ‘Wherefore did you so?‘ His refusal to go to Scone to see Macbeth being crowned underlines his suspicions of him. Macduff’s shrewdness is also evident in the manner in which he keeps his thoughts and plans to himself. In the atmosphere of mistrust and intrigue that characterises Macbeth’s reign, Macduff acts rather than talks. Ross pays tribute to Macduff’s judgement and wisdom when he tells Lady Macduff that her husband is ‘noble, wise, judicious and best knows the fits of the season.’
By departing for England, Macduff becomes a symbol of hope for his suffering country. The conversation