English literature Macduff

• Macduff

  • Symbolises ultimate loyalty
  • Minor character but most prominent minor character in the play
  • Static character - his loyalty to King Duncan and righteous heirs to the throne is unwavering
  • Immediately distrusts Macbeth and refuses to attend his coronation
  • Becomes a focal point for Macbeth's rage and desire to protect his throne
• Defeating Macbeth is Macduff's destiny, as the Witches prophesied that a "man of woman born" would defeat him
• Macduff's definition of manhood

  Opposite to Macbeth - he doesn't resist emotion but embraces it
• Macduff's bravery

  • Selfless and out of love for his country, violence is for a justified cause and proportional to what is needed
  • He is confident in facing Macbeth, calling him "turn hell hound, turn"
  • Exposes Macbeth's cowardice
• Macduff's bravery is pure and honourable, succeeding in killing Macbeth in battle
• Religious context - Macduff's reaction to Duncan's death


  • Uses religious language to show his belief in the 'Divine Right of Kings'
  • Refers to Duncan's body as a "temple" to reinforce the holiness of his reign
  • Recognises Duncan as the true, divinely ordained king
• Macduff's view of the consequences of Duncan's murder

  Sees it as comparable to the end of the world - the natural order has been disturbed and chaos will ensue
• Macduff's characteristics


  • Sensitive - exhibits emotional behaviour, which was considered a feminine trait at the time
  • Patriotic - recognises that Macbeth's reign brings chaos to Scotland and sets about creating an opposition to Macbeth
• Macduff's allegiance is to Scotland, while Macbeth's is to himself and his wife
• Macduff


  • He will be a character which enacts revenge on Macbeth
  • He will hold a great deal of power
• Macduff's family is killed by Macbeth


  1. This is the ultimate 'trigger' for Macduff

  2. It provides Macduff with even more rationale to enact his revenge on Macbeth
• Malcolm suspects that Macduff may be working for Macbeth so tests him to see if he is trustworthy


  1. Malcolm's test involves talking to Macduff about why he wouldn't be fit to be the King of Scotland

  2. Macduff eventually agrees, proving his allegiance to Scotland and as an ally to Malcolm

  3. This shows him as both a truthful and loyal character