Ambition & Power

• "I have no words; my voice is my sword". (act 5).

  • 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.
  • 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.
• "Turn, hell-hound, turn" (Act 5)

  • The repetition of the term "turn" symbolises Macbeth's upheaval

  of order through his tyrannical rule. Conversely, it also highlights the palpable (almost reachable) nature of Macduff's ambitions and aspirations to reinstate order in Scotland. Once Macbeth "turns" to face Macduff, Macduff knows he is able to defeat him.

  • Epithet "hell-hound": The infernal (hellish) imagery evoked by the epithet (nick-name) "hell-hound" accentuates Macduff's condemnation of Macbeth's diabolical ambitions and the ensuing turmoil.
  • Macduff stands in stark contrast once more as the antithesis to Macbeth. While Macbeth prioritises his own selfish ambitions and desires, Macduff places his country and the people that reside in it at the forefront of his concerns.
• How does it link to violence?

  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.
• How does this link to Appearance vs reality?

  Macduff's does not put on a false facade, instead his intent is genuine and sincere. His ambitions and goals are characterised by an honesty and truthfulness that is dedicated to preventing Scotland from descending into anymore turmoil.