Question

Macbeth overcomes Macduff when they first fight. Then Macbeth says, "I bear a charmed life, which must not yield, / To one of woman born." They fight again. This time, Macduff is stronger, and Macbeth retreats. What does this character movement most contribute to the scene?

Options:
a. It emphasizes Macduff’s motivation for wanting to kill Macbeth.
b. It suggests that the fight is nearly over.
c. It shows that Macbeth has gotten tired.
d. It indicates that Macduff has gained confidence.

Answer 1

The movement of characters in the fight scene between Macbeth and Macduff highlights Macduff gaining confidence, signifying a shift in the balance of power and hinting at Macbeth's impending downfall. Option d is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the scene where Macbeth and Macduff first fight, Macbeth initially overcomes Macduff and boasts about his charmed life, which he believes makes him invincible to anyone "of woman born." However, when they engage in battle again, Macduff gains the upper hand and Macbeth retreats.

This character movement most notably indicates that Macduff has gained confidence. The shift in the fight's momentum underlines that despite Macbeth's apparent advantage and self-assurance drawn from the witches' prophecies, Macduff's own resolve and the reality of the situation are overcoming Macbeth's supernatural confidence.

The change also contributes to the dramatic tension of the scene, signifying a turning point where the audience can begin to anticipate Macbeth's downfall. The reversal of fortune from Macbeth to Macduff demonstrates the true power and pull of retribution and justice in the narrative as Macduff, driven by the murder of his family by Macbeth's orders, finds the strength to challenge and eventually defeat the tyrant king.