William Shakespeare wrote Macbeth some time in 1606-07. Set mainly in the 11th century, this tragedy is about a man named Macbeth. At the beginning of the play, Macbeth appears to be a good man, displaying traits that could be deemed heroic. Macbeth is said to be the play's protagonist, but is he a hero? In this play, Macduff emerges as the true hero in this story. Macbeth is pushed to make crazy choices, committing inhuman acts to fulfill his own desires. Throughout the events of William Shakespeare's Macbeth, Macduff seems more of a heroic figure than Macbeth. He displays his heroism through showing his intelligence, loyalty, and righteousness. In the first Act, following a display of courage from Macbeth during battle, King Duncan honors him with the title of the Thane of …show more content…
As the story progresses Act II Macbeth is manipulated by his wife Lady Macbeth to follow his ambitions and resort to murdering the well-liked King Duncan. Macbeth shows mixed emotions leading up to the assassination of Duncan, which may indicate that deep down he cares and wants to be the hero. It seems ironic that Macduff is the person who discovered the king’s dead body. Following the murder of Duncan, Macbeth accepts the throne. Macduff at first accepts the verdict, and Malcolm and Donalbain are the most likely suspects in the murder of their father. His reluctance makes him distance himself from Macbeth. Macduff’s suspicion only grows after Banquo is murdered in Act III. This is when Macduff’s intelligence is highlighted. His willingness to act on the information he has gathered demonstrates his heroism. He uses this intelligence to save Scotland from destruction. Throughout Macduff’s decisions and actions, he remains loyal to his country and acts in the interest of Scotland, unlike Macbeth who has been poisoned by