Macduff

• Who is Macduff in the play?

  Macduff is a minor character who symbolizes ultimate loyalty.
• How is Macduff characterized in relation to King Duncan?

  Macduff's loyalty to King Duncan and his rightful heirs is unwavering.
• What action does Macduff take after he distrusts Macbeth?

  He refuses to attend Macbeth's coronation.
• What role does Macduff play in Macbeth's narrative?

  Macduff becomes a focal point for Macbeth's rage and desire to protect his throne.
• What tragic event occurs to Macduff's family?

  Macduff's family is murdered by Macbeth's assassins.
• What motivates Macduff to kill Macbeth?

  Revenge for the murder of his family drives Macduff to kill Macbeth.
• How does Macduff symbolize the fight between good and evil?

  Macduff is portrayed as the opposite of Macbeth, symbolizing good against Macbeth's evil.
• What Biblical symbolism is associated with Macduff and Macbeth?

  They represent sin being defeated and order restored.
• What do the Witches prophesy about Macduff?

  The Witches prophesy that a "man of woman born" will defeat Macbeth.
• How does Macduff's definition of manhood differ from Macbeth's?

  Macduff embraces emotion, while Macbeth resists it.
• What does Macduff's bravery reveal about Macbeth?

  Macduff's true bravery exposes Macbeth's cowardice.
• What drives Macbeth's confidence and bravery?

  Macbeth's confidence comes from hubris due to the Witches' prophecies.
• How does Macduff react to Duncan's murder?

  Macduff delivers a long hyperbolic speech using religious language.
• What does Macduff's metaphorical language about Duncan's death signify?

  It signifies the holiness of Duncan's reign and the sacrilege of his murder.
• How does Macduff view the consequences of Duncan's murder for Scotland?

  He believes it will lead to greater consequences, comparable to judgment day.
• What is the 'Divine Right of Kings' in relation to Macduff?

  Macduff adheres to the belief that kings are chosen by God.
• How does Macduff's emotional reaction differ from other male characters?

  Macduff publicly exhibits emotional behavior, which was considered feminine at the time.
• What does Macduff's violence stem from?

  Macduff's violence stems from love for his country and family.
• How does Macduff express his disbelief about his family's murder?

  He uses rhetorical questions and repetition to convey his shock.
• What does Macduff's reaction reveal about his character?

  It reveals his emotional sensitivity and moral integrity.
• How does Macduff's patriotism manifest in the play?

  Macduff recognizes the chaos Macbeth's reign brings to Scotland and seeks to oppose him.
• What motif does Macduff use to describe Scotland's suffering?

  He personifies Scotland, saying it "bleeds poor country."
• What does the 'Great Chain of Being' refer to?

  It is a hierarchical social structure dictating authority, with the King just under God.
• How does Macduff's concern for Scotland differ from Macbeth's motivations?

  Macduff acts for the good of others, while Macbeth acts for himself.
• What is the significance of Macduff's introduction in Act 1, Scene 6?

  He is introduced without lines, making his later role as a powerful avenger unexpected.
• How does Macduff react upon discovering Duncan's death?

  He shows emotional distress and adopts the role of judge against Macbeth.
• What warning does Macbeth receive from the apparition in Act 4, Scene 1?

  He is warned to "beware Macduff, beware the Thane of Fife."
• How does the apparition's warning contribute to the plot?

  It sets up Macduff as Macbeth's foil and foreshadows their conflict.
• What are the key characteristics of Macduff?

  • Sensitive: Exhibits emotional behavior.
  • Patriotic: Adores Scotland and opposes tyranny.
  • Loyal: Unwavering loyalty to King Duncan.
• What are the key moments involving Macduff in the play?

  1. Introduced in Act 1, Scene 6 without lines.
  2. Discovers Duncan's death in Act 2, Scene 3.
  3. Receives a warning from the Witches in Act 4, Scene 1.
• What is the significance of Macduff's emotional reaction to his family's murder?

  • Reveals his sensitivity and moral integrity.
  • Highlights the contrast with Macbeth's ambition.
  • Shows the depth of his grief and desire for revenge.
• How does Macduff's character serve as a foil to Macbeth?

  • Macduff symbolizes loyalty and righteousness.
  • Macbeth represents ambition and cowardice.
  • Their contrasting definitions of manhood highlight the moral themes of the play.
• What is Macduff's reaction to Duncan's death?

  Macduff has a very emotional reaction, expressing distress and honour.
• How does Shakespeare emphasize Macduff's emotion regarding Duncan's death?

  Through the repetition of the phrase "O horror, horror, horror".
• What role does Macduff adopt in the play after Duncan's death?

  He adopts the role of the judge, acting on God's behalf to bring justice.
• What does Macduff's emotional reaction reveal about his character?

  It reveals his loyalty to Duncan and adherence to the 'Divine Right of Kings'.
• What warning does Macbeth receive from the apparition conjured by the Witches?

  He should "beware Macduff, beware the Thane of Fife".
• How does the apparition's warning affect Macbeth's perception of Macduff?

  It sets Macduff up as Macbeth's foil, making Macbeth suspicious of him.
• What event serves as the ultimate trigger for Macduff's revenge against Macbeth?

  The murder of Macduff's family by Macbeth.
• What choice does Macduff make that leads to the death of his loved ones?

  He chooses to leave his family to help rid his country of Macbeth.