Horror, Horror, Horror Nicholas Massoud Julia McNamee Period 9H December 4, 2011 Shakespeares play, Macbeth, examines the

e turmoil and power struggles that follow a kings murder. The main characters, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, power-hungry Scottish nobility, murder King Duncan to gain the throne. In Act II Scene III, Shakespeare introduces Macduff, another thane, who discovers Duncans body, plunging the castle into chaos. In this moment of tremendous uncertainty, Macduff emerges as a leader. Through Macduff, Shakespeare demonstrates that selflessness, self-discipline, and taking command in times of crisis are key qualities in a leader. Macduff displays his selflessness after the murder of Duncan. After discovering the body, Macduff says, Tongue nor heart conceive nor name thee! (II.iii.74). Despite Macduffs vast education that he would have received as the son of a thane, Macduff cannot think of any words to describe what he saw. This is because he is so afraid, that he can no longer think clearly. However, instead of trying to comfort himself, Macduff attempts to reassure those around him. Upon Banquos arrival, Macduff describes what has happened by saying, O Banquo, Banquo, our royal masters murdered, (II.iii.100-101). Macduff knows that Banquo will be shocked when he hears the news of Duncans death, so he attempts to soften the news by saying Banquo, Banquo. By repeating Banquos name, Macduff is comforting Banquo and making him feel a sense of security. Thus, Macduff demonstrates his concern and proves his selflessness. Shakespeare shows Macduffs

selflessness once more when he tries to ease the distress of Lady Macbeth. When she is faking a faint, Macduff says, Look to the Lady, (II.iii.139). He cares about her well-being, and therefore wishes to give her assistance in her supposed moment of frailty. His treatment of her shows that, once again, Macduff is giving care to others before giving care to himself. This selflessness inspires loyalty in others, allowing Macduff to gain the support necessary to overthrow Macbeth later in the play. Through Macduff, Shakespeare also shows that leaders must overcome their own fears. After finding the body of Duncan, Macduff is terrified. O horror, horror, horror! (II.iii.73), he shouts as he comes back from Duncans chambers. Macduff repeats the word horror three times, showing how truly terrified he is. For him, even the word horror cannot reflect the emotions he is feeling. In this line, his fear gets the better of him; he stops speaking in Iambic pentameter. However, after his original moment of horror, he overcomes his fear and returns to speaking in Iambic pentameter. His conquering of the instinctive reaction to shout shows that he has mostly calmed himself of his initial fear. The speed with which Macduff is able to overcome his fear in a moment of chaos shows his functionality as a leader and his self-discipline. Shakespeare also shows that a leader must take charge in a moment of danger. Macduff does this after Duncans murder. Awake, awake! Ring the alarum bell. Murder and treasonRing the bell, (II.iii.85-92). Macduff takes on the responsibility of alerting the castle to the murder. This is very difficult because it requires Macduff to do two things at once; he needs to command

the servants to alert the guards to the murder, and he needs to awaken and call the sleeping nobles to a meeting. Despite the challenge, Macduff succeeds in both of these things. This allows him to talk to the other thanes and decide what to do to preserve the kingdom and catch the Kings killer. Another sign that Macduff is taking command of the situation is his knowledge of what is actually occurring. He proves this when he gives assistance to Lady Macbeth. His comment, Look to the Lady, (II.iii.139), has a double meaning; it not only means to help Lady Macbeth, but also that everybody should look towards her with suspicion. Macduff is not deceived by her ruse. Even in a moment of danger, he is able to interpret that she faints in order to silence and draw attention away from Macbeth, who is about to give both of them away. Macduff is able to lead well and take charge in times of danger due to his swift reactions and insight into the true motives of others. The characters that Shakespeare creates in his works usually are highly complex and have conflicting personalities. What makes Macduff particularly interesting is his purity. The motivations that he has are quite simple; he is devoted entirely to serving his King and the country and does not have dark desires for more power like Macbeth. He is also pure in his emotions. When Macduff discovers that his family has been murdered, he is overcome with grief, whereas when Lady Macbeth dies, Macbeths only thought is that it would have been more convenient if she died later. Through the character of Macduff, Shakespeare demonstrates that leaders must be selfless, have self-discipline, and be able to take charge in times of danger; however, Macduff goes beyond being a great leader and proves himself to be a truly noble character through his purity of motivations and emotions.