macduff

• “Oh hell-kite! All?”

  o   In this moment, his emotions are raw as he expresses his disbelief and guilt for not being there when his family were killed

  o   His immediate question shows he feels responsible for not being present to defend his family and this amplifies his anger

  o   Reveals his internal struggle and self-blame as he questions himself wondering if his absence played a part in the tragic outcome
• “I cannot but remember such things that were most precious to me”

  o   Implies that their memory is constantly imprinted on his mind, reminding him of the guilt he feels for not being there to protect him

  o   He carries a weight of remorse as he believes he is responsible for it and his guilt stems from that he failed in his duty to act as a protector

  o   Showcases his emotional turmoil which adds a layer of complexity to his character as guilt fuels his determination to seek revenge
• “I have no words; my voice is in my sword”

  o   He is so consumed to seek desire that he thinks his actions will speak louder than his words as he acknowledges the limitations of his voice expressing his true anger

  o   Believes his sword is the way he will make his intentions known as he sees his sword as a mean of delivering justice

  o   Encapsulates his unwavering commitment to confront Macbeth and seek retribution for the cruel murder of his family
• “If thou beest slain and with no stroke of mine, my wife and children’s ghost will haunt me still”

  o   His willingness to seek revenge stems from his desire to find closure and peace knowing that he will do anything in his power to avenge his wife and children

  o   Highlights his sense of duty as he feels responsible for protecting his family and seeking justice on their behalf

  o   Showcases his depth of love for his family and determination to honour their memory to ensure he is not haunted by their spirits
• “O horror, horror, horror!”

  o   Repetition emphasises the intensity of his feelings as he felt he had a deep connection and obligation to Duncan

  o   Expressing his utter disbelief at the heinous act that has taken place and his loyalty is evident in the genuine reaction

  o   Demonstrates his commitment to upholding the moral principles that Duncan represented, and this loyalty compels him seek out the truth
• “The Lord’s anointed temple”

  A2S3

  o   Emphasises his belief in the divine rights of kings showing his respect for Duncan’s authority and position

  o   Elevates Duncan’s position status to that of a holy and sacred place representing his deep respect for the monarchy and commitment to upholding the rightful order

  o   Believes it is his duty to protect the King and defend him as he believes his position is ordained by a higher power
• “Macduff was from his mother’s womb, untimely ripp’d”

  o   Moment of anagnorisis as Macbeth comes to the realisation that his death is inevitable and he cannot escape it

  o   Shakes Macbeth’s confidence in his invincibility and he now recognises that these circumstances make him uncapable of fulfilling the prophecy

  o   Serves as a poignant representation of Macbeth’s fear of Macduff now and that his reign is no longer secure
• “Beware Macduff! Beware the Thane of Fife!”

  o   Repetition of his name to show how much of a threat Macduff is to Macbeth’s successful reign as King

  o   Emphasises the idea that Macbeth needs to be cautious as Macduff has the potential to challenge Macbeth’s authority and potentially bring about his downfall

  o   Fuels Macbeth’s desire to eliminate anything perceived as a threat to his power leading to the murder of Macduff’s family and his relentless pursuit to seek justice