Overview
This lecture analyzes the character of Macduff in Shakespeare's "Macbeth," focusing on how he serves as a foil to Macbeth and embodies the ideal royal subject.
Macduff's Introduction and Structural Role
- Macduff enters the play immediately after King Duncan's murder, arriving at Macbeth's castle.
- His arrival marks the beginning of Macbeth’s unraveling and foreshadows Macduff’s eventual role as avenger.
Macduff as a Foil to Macbeth
- A foil is a character who contrasts another, highlighting specific traits.
- After Banquo’s death, Macduff becomes Macbeth’s principal foil.
- Macbeth pursues power through selfish ambition, while Macduff sacrifices everything for Scotland’s rightful order.
Macduff's Loyalty and Patriotism
- Macduff travels to England to seek Malcolm's help in restoring the throne.
- Expresses deep love and concern for Scotland, as seen in his repeated cries, "Bleed, bleed, poor country" and "O Scotland, Scotland."
- Prioritizes national well-being over merely restoring Malcolm to power.
Testing Loyalty and the Ideal Subject
- Macduff passes Malcolm’s test, showing he values Scotland’s fate above individual rulers.
- He exemplifies the ideal royal subject, loyal foremost to country and rightful order.
Macduff’s Righteous Revenge
- Upon learning of his family's murder, Macduff seeks heavenly approval for his revenge against Macbeth.
- Both Macduff and Malcolm invoke “heaven,” framing their actions as a holy war.
Macduff and Macbeth: Parallels and Contrasts
- Both are noble and courageous but act from opposite motives: Macbeth is driven by selfish ambition, Macduff by loyalty and justice.
- Macduff ultimately kills Macbeth, symbolizing the triumph of rightful order over tyranny.
Regicide and Justification
- Though Macduff also kills a king (regicide), the murder of his family and Macbeth's tyranny justify his actions.
- Macbeth dies refusing to submit, showing his continued pride and contrast with a loyal subject.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Foil — A character who contrasts with another to highlight traits.
- Regicide — The act of killing a king.
- Patriotism — Devotion to and vigorous support for one’s country.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Act 2, Scene 2; Act 4, Scene 3; and Act 5, Scene 8 for Macduff’s key scenes.
- Prepare notes on how Macduff embodies the “ideal subject” in opposition to Macbeth.