Macduff

• • "I have no words; my voice is my sword" (Act 5)
  • Violent metaphor: In employing a violent metaphor, Macduff contends that the restoration of Scotland's natural order necessitates physical violence - his ambition is to rightfully restore Scotland. Thus, the initial upheaval, brought about by Macbeth's violent tyrannical means, mandates a similar force to rectify the natural order that has been disrupted.
  • Macduff is the archetype (perfect- example) of the avenging hero, motivated by revenge. Despite his personal motivations rooted in revenge, the nobility of his intentions shines through. His ambitious pursuit of dismantling Macbeth single-handedly to restore order is materialising into a reality.
  • Short sentence: The short sentence reflects the short amount of time that Scotland will have to continue to suffer - by slewing Macbeth Scotland can be rightly governed and flourish under divine ordain.
• "bleed, bleed, poor country" (Act 4)

  • Personification: Macduff laments (grieves) Scotland, personifying the nation to underscore his profound emotional bond but also reflects the pervasive (quickly spreading) sense of loss and despair that permeates Scotland.
  • Macduff's sorrow, then, becomes emblematic (symbolic) of the collective grief felt by the nation, further highlighting the immense political upheaval and chaos that has befallen Scotland due to Macbeth's tyranny and violence (cruel/oppressive leadership).
  • Repetition: The recurrent motif (symbol/theme throughout) of "bleed" highlights Macduff's despair about Scotland's progressive demise, effectively encapsulating Macbeth's misanthropic (disliking of others) disposition.
  • Macduff's patriotism (love for his country) emphasises Macbeth's ruthless indifference to dismantling Scotland but also serves as a compelling juxtaposition to the inherent nobility expected of a rightful king.
• Links to Other Key Ideas

  • Ambition: Macduff's ambitions in slewing Macbeth and restoring order within Scotland shows that this necessities violence. The initial upheaval, brought about by Macbeth's violent tyrannical means, mandates a similar force to rectify the natural order that has been disrupted