Select a “secondary” character (Banquo, Macduff, Malcolm) and analyze the way in which he or she serves as a foil to a central character and thus help to expand your understanding by contrast. (A foil is a character who enhances another through contrast). You could also theoretically use Lady Macbeth as a secondary character to Macbeth.

Answer 1

In William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, the character of Macduff serves as a foil to the central character, Macbeth. Macduff's contrasting qualities help to expand our understanding of Macbeth's character and moral decline.

Unlike Macbeth, who becomes consumed by his ambition and resorts to immoral actions, Macduff remains loyal to his principles and upholds his integrity throughout the play. When Macbeth contemplates murdering King Duncan, Macduff expresses his loyalty towards the king and refuses to participate in any plot against him. This stark contrast showcases Macduff's unwavering sense of morality, emphasizing Macbeth's lack of integrity and his descent into darkness.

Furthermore, Macduff's grief and determination to seek justice for the murders of Duncan, Banquo, and Macduff's own family highlight Macbeth's growing callousness and lack of empathy. While Macbeth becomes increasingly detached from his own humanity, Macduff's reactions humanize the tragedies that occur throughout the play. Macduff's sorrow and burning desire for vengeance illustrate that Macbeth's actions have real and devastating consequences on the innocent.

Additionally, Macduff's unwavering commitment to the rightful succession of the throne highlights Macbeth's thirst for power. Macduff supports Malcolm as the legitimate heir to the throne and joins forces with him to overthrow Macbeth's tyrannical rule. Macduff's loyalty to his country and his willingness to put the welfare of Scotland above his own desires emphasize Macbeth's selfishness and his disregard for the well-being of his nation.

Moreover, Macduff's final confrontation with Macbeth serves as the ultimate contrast between the two characters. Macduff, acting out of the need for justice and to free Scotland from Macbeth's tyrant rule, challenges Macbeth to a duel. Macduff's nobility and bravery, coupled with Macbeth's descent into madness and desperation, amplify the contrast between their characters. Macduff's victorious and righteous defeat of Macbeth showcases the ultimate downfall of the central character, emphasizing the consequences of Macbeth's unchecked ambition and immoral actions.

In conclusion, Macduff serves as a formidable foil to Macbeth's character throughout the play. His unwavering morality, empathy, commitment to justice, and ultimate triumph exemplify the stark contrast to Macbeth's moral decline, lack of empathy, and ultimate defeat. Through the foil of Macduff, Shakespeare expands our understanding of Macbeth's character and the consequences of his actions.