english

• A Born Leader (Malcolm)

  Clear example of the correct way to take on kingship. He tests the loyalty of his subjects in an attempt to strengthen the prospect of good, and remains devoted to God.
• "A good nature may recoil"


  Implies the power that comes with being king could distort his morals as it did with Macbeth. By testing Macduff's morals, Malcolm is ensuring his subjects are morally sound to mirror himself.
• Malcolm Vs Macbeth

  Malcolm serves as a benchmark by which we can judge Macbeth's reign. His actions and motivations help us consider ideas of manhood, family, and royal duty. All of which Macbeth seems to avoid.
• Religion (Malcolm)

  Malcolm's character is defined by his relationship to the concept of the DROK. His entire existence is based on an accepted religious concept. As a representative of God's will, he prioritises God and good morals.
• "Most sacrilegious murder"

  There is a religious semantic field creating an image of sacredness and holiness.

  • Reinforces Macduff's extreme distress that the king, divinely ordained by God has been callously murdered despite his sacredness (DROK).

  
  

  Hyperbolic language reinforces how Macduff abides strictly to religious moral code.
• "I am not treacherous"


  Makes his loyalty explicitly clear. Creates distance between Macduff and Macbeth who embodies treachery throughout play.
• "Treacherous"


  Means a violation of allegiance or faith and confidence. Draws comparisons between Macduff and Macbeth; whilst Macbeth violates trust of others, Macduff consistently honours the trust people have in him.
• "Turn hell-hound, turn"


  Repetition of "turn" emphasises the extent to which Macbeth has turned order on its head

  
  

  Epithet "hell hound" is used to highlight the true nature of the tyrant king.
• “Instruments of darkness”


  Suggests witches’ evil musicality, perhaps showing how their words are almost hypnotic for Macbeth. They speak in trochaic tetrameter, distinct from iambic pentameter that noble characters use throughout play, giving it an eerie songlike quality.
• “None of woman born shall harm Macbeth”

  Each of the prophecies are equivocal and ambiguous. They know Macbeth’s hubris obstructs him from seeing that they are giving him an ephemeral (temporary) sense of security.