Shakespeare’s (S) Macbeth provides the audience with multiple characters who illuminate the alternative paths the main character Macbeth could have taken on his rise and eventual fall as King. Banquo, Macduff, and Duncan all highlight the fundamental character flaws that lead Macbeth to his demise. Macbeth first enters the stage accompanied by Banquo, who contrasts Macbeth’s ambitious reaction to the witches’ prophecy. As soon as the witches proclaim Macbeth shall be King, Banquo describes him as “rapt withal” (1.3.57). Macbeth attempts to coax more information out of them: “stay, you imperfect speakers, tell me more” (1.3.70). Once the witches have vanished, Ross and Angus deliver the news of the Thane of Cawdor’s treason and Macbeth’s inheritance
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Up to act 4, Macbeth has done nothing for his country besides slaying a rebel. On the other hand, Macduff demonstrates qualities of a true leader in his conversation with Malcolm in act 4 scene 3. While Malcolm wants to lament over the recent murders, Macduff would rather “bestride (his) down-fall’n birthdom” (4.3.3). Malcolm tests him, suggesting Macduff may earn Macbeth’s trust by betraying him and Macduff curtly replies, “I am not treacherous” (4.3.18). In denouncing Macbeth, Macduff provides a deep reflection on governance and resistance of temptation. He admits that “in nature is a tyranny” and just as the case with Duncan’s murder, “it hath been th’ untimely emptying of the happy throne, and fall of many kings.” (4.3.67). Finally, after Malcolm proclaims he will “uproar the universal peace”, Madcuff gives up on him and cries out for his country. His despair for Scotland has peaked and also expresses his deep shame that Malcolm has “repeat’st upon {himself} these evils” (4.3.110). This convinces Malcolm of Macduff’s noble intentions and what a true leader’s values should be. S uses Macduff as a foil to Macbeth to highlight how unnatural of a leader he is. Besides committing murder to gain the throne, Macbeth is also too consumed with his own ambition to fulfill his duties to his
Up to act 4, Macbeth has done nothing for his country besides slaying a rebel. On the other hand, Macduff demonstrates qualities of a true leader in his conversation with Malcolm in act 4 scene 3. While Malcolm wants to lament over the recent murders, Macduff would rather “bestride (his) down-fall’n birthdom” (4.3.3). Malcolm tests him, suggesting Macduff may earn Macbeth’s trust by betraying him and Macduff curtly replies, “I am not treacherous” (4.3.18). In denouncing Macbeth, Macduff provides a deep reflection on governance and resistance of temptation. He admits that “in nature is a tyranny” and just as the case with Duncan’s murder, “it hath been th’ untimely emptying of the happy throne, and fall of many kings.” (4.3.67). Finally, after Malcolm proclaims he will “uproar the universal peace”, Madcuff gives up on him and cries out for his country. His despair for Scotland has peaked and also expresses his deep shame that Malcolm has “repeat’st upon {himself} these evils” (4.3.110). This convinces Malcolm of Macduff’s noble intentions and what a true leader’s values should be. S uses Macduff as a foil to Macbeth to highlight how unnatural of a leader he is. Besides committing murder to gain the throne, Macbeth is also too consumed with his own ambition to fulfill his duties to his