Discuss
the role of Macduff as a true hero in Macbeth.
Though many refer to the titular character of William
Shakespeare’s Macbeth as a tragic hero, another character stands out as
a much greater protagonist. While Macbeth is driven towards madness and to
committing atrocities through his tragic flaw of ambition, Macduff lacks such a
flaw and remains uncorrupted and heroic throughout the play. As Macbeth strives
to gain power and prestige at the expense of the lives of his king, his
friends, and his countrymen, Macduff meanwhile endures great personal loss in
his attempts to stop Macbeth’s tyrannical rue and to restore justice and freedom
to Scotland. With a name so similar to Macbeth’s, it is ironic yet fitting that
Macduff acts so much more nobly than his king. Throughout the tragic, events of
William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Macduff serves as a heroic figure through
his demonstrations of intelligence, loyalty, and righteousness.
Macduff’s prevalence is minimal early in the play, though his intelligence can first be noted in his actions that follow King Duncan’s death. While many Scottish nobles prepare to welcome Macbeth to the throne and accept him as their king, Macduff shows his skepticism of the story surrounding the king’s demise. Though Macduff at first accepts the verdict that Malcolm and Donalbain are the most likely suspects in the murder of their father, he does so reluctantly and only because the evidence points to them given that they have fled the scene. When asked if he will attend Macbeth’s inaugural ceremonies, Macduff responds, “No, cousin, I’ll to Fife”. Macduff is less convinced than the others that the mystery of the king’s death has been solved, and he wisely distances himself from Macbeth, in whose home the murder occurred, rather than simply accept Macbeth as his new king.
