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The character of Lady Macduff externally exhibits a role just as Macduff’s wife, but through the scene of her murder it is easily recognizable that a greater representation that this character provokes exists. Lady Macduff is an ideal picture of a mother, one who protects and loves her children husband and family. At the beginning of the scene, Lady Macduff is talking calmly and casually with her son, joking and comforting him with her presence. There is a complete sense of trust between both the son and Lady Macduff as both are talking about a very private and almost sensitive subject. Through this conversation we see easily the role Lady Macduff plays as a mother, one who truthfully and honestly is the closest with her family than anyone else. Shakespeares main point in the character of Lady Macduff is that she is innocent just like her son and they do nothing wrong, yet pay the price. As the murderers arrive she immediately protects her child without hesitation, yet she herself is scared and does not know what to do. This point goes back to the concept Shakespeare was explaining with the baby, that since it is innocent and helpless, one cannot murder or hurt it without feeling complete and utter guilt. The only way one would be able to do such a task was if he did not have a soul and felt nothing, even killing innocent people. Lady Macduff and her son are innocently talking in the safety of their house, and the next moment they are murdered. The big thing this shows is the corruption of Macbeth because of his murdering and killing, and the vastness it has on the things around him. Because Macbeth is so corrupt and soul-less, he orders his men to go and kill Lady Macduff and her son, causing the men who carry out this duty to essentially corrupt their souls as well, as they are killing an innocent woman and child. Lady Macduff’s innocence further explains Macbeth’s corruption and shows truly how he has no soul anymore. |
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