Free Macbeth Essays: The Essential Macduff :: GCSE Coursework Macbeth Essays

The Essential Macduff in Macbeth Like in all (or most) Shakespeare plays, there is always a hero that overcomes evil supernatural forces. Macduff is this essential character in this play. His loyalty and patriotism to his dear country, Scotland, is more exceeding unlike the likes of the other Scottish nobles, Macduff was devastated by the murder of his dear king, and he also somewhat sacrifices his family for his country. These three transactions add up to one hell of an admirable hero. Conflict of forces is reflected in the character of Macduff. Duncan’s murder is discovered by his loyal supporter Macduff. It is the intensity of his devotion to the king that brings him to the castle just at the time of the murder and makes him the first to see the dead body, "The Lord’s anointed temple" (Act II, Scene3, 67) as he calls it. Had Macduff’s loyalty been supported by corresponding strength he could have come in time to save Duncan. But as Duncan displays goodness and virtue without sufficient power to maintain his rule, Macduff’s capacity for pure loyalty is not combined with the strength required to express it. When soon afterwards he goes to England in support of Duncan’s son Malcolm, his wife and children are left to be murdered by Macbeth. His personality lacks the energy to sustain both the commitments of his loyal heart. In expressing his loyalty to the dead king he ignores his equally great commitment to protect his family. Macduff returns from the scene of Duncan’s murder crying "O Horror, horror, horror!" (Act II, Scene3, 63) The response of the other lords is revealing. Lennox simply asks "Mean you his majesty?" (Act II, Scene3, 70), no more. The king’s sons arrive. Donalbain is silent. Malcolm says "O, by whom?" (Act II, Scene3, 100) Except for Macduff, there is no expression of horror, outrage or grief by those present. In the interview with Lady Macduff, Ross describes her husband as "noble, wise, judicious" (Act IV, Scene2, 16) one whom "best knows the fits o’ the season" (Act IV, Scene2, 17). Why then, did Macduff leave his wife and family unprotected? Perhaps, there was a conflict of loyalties in- love of country vs. love of family- in his heart; realist though he was, Macduff may not have believed that Macbeth would stoop to such brutality and wickedness as the murder of women and children.