Macduff as a Symbol of Virtue

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Macduff as Symbol of Virtue in Macbeth

In the continuing literary quarrel of Good versus Evil, we are presented with two characters: Macduff and Macbeth. Macduff seems to mature in nobility and virtue, becoming a stronger and more admirable character despite the circumstances of tragedy dealt to him; he grows to become a hero, unlike his arch rival, Macbeth, who rivets himself on the tragedies he causes and thus becomes a tyrant. Macduff possesses a number of character traits, which lend themselves to comprise a man fit to be a leader and hero. These traits are best shown when compared to those of the opposing persona of Macbeth. Macduff’s inner strength allows his grief to overcome his guilt when dealt with tragedy, whereas Macbeth is quite the opposite. Macduff becomes essential to Shakespeare’s Macbeth as he portrays the overcoming force of good, just as Macbeth represents the succumbing force of bad.

Macduff and Macbeth are a study of opposites; this becomes especially clear when we look at their personalities. We know Macbeth to be of a treacherous nature as this trait is portrayed throughout the play. Where Macbeth is treacherous, Macduff is noble. We learn of Macduff's virtuous mettle in two ways throughout the play, through the words of Malcolm and from his own lips. Malcolm praises Macduff as full of "noble passion" Act IV, Scene 3, Line 114 and Macduff speaks of himself, stating, "I am not treacherous." Act IV, Scene 3, Line 17 This same line can also be used to show how open and almost blunt Macduff is. His freedom of expression and emotions lead to kinship among his followers, who feel more comfortable around a leader whose motives they understand and agree with, thus making Macduff the stronger commandant. These character traits are reinforced when compared to those of Macbeth, who, on the other hand, is a master of deception and false-façade. Macbeth was corrupted by dark ambition (a common trait among Shakespeare’s’ villains). He slew Duncan in order to attain the power after which he lusted and continued murdering in order to cover his tracks.

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When it was Macbeth's duty to protect Duncan, he murdered him. He proved himself to be an adept actor when he slipped past Banquo, his friend, and the one person who should have been able to see through him to what his true intentions were. When Lady Macbeth advised, "Sleek o'er your rugged looks / be bright and jovial among your guests," Act III, Scene 2, Lines 28 and 29 Macbeth took her words to heart and became an excellent master of the art. Macduff, on the other hand, had used his own ambition to bring justice to his ...

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