Act 5 Scene 8


Scene Summary 


Macduff confronts Macbeth.


 Macbeth tells Macduff that he cannot be harmed by any man born of woman.  Macduff reveals that he was delivered by caesarean section.  Macbeth fights him regardless and is killed.


Another part of the Field. Enter MACBETH


MACBETH Why should I play the Roman fool,1


Do better upon them! [Enter MACDUFF]


MACDUFF Turn, hell-hound, Turn!


MACBETH Of all men else I have avoided thee. – But get thee back; my soul is too much charged3 With blood of thine already.


MACDUFF I have no words:


My voice is in my sword – thou bloodier villain Than terms can give thee out!4 [They fight]


MACBETH Thou losest labour:5 10


As easy may’st thou the intrenchant air With thy keen sword impress as make me bleed:6 Let fall thy blade on vulnerable crests;7 I bear a charmed8


life, which must not yield,


To one of woman born. MACDUFF


Despair thy charm! –


And let the angel whom thou still hast served Tell thee, Macduff was from his mother's womb Untimely ripped.9


9


Macduff…Untimely ripped: i.e.Macduff was delivered by caesarean section and therefore not ‘born’ of woman.


131 5 6


Thou losest labour: You are wasting effort.


As easy may’st…me bleed: It would be easier to wound the uncuttable air with your sword than make me bleed. 7 crests: heads


8


charmed: protected by supernatural powers


4


thou bloodier villain…thee out:You are a bloodier villain than words can express.


and die On mine own sword? Whiles I see lives,2 the gashes 1 2


Roman fool: Roman warriors often committed suicide after defeat. lives: living enemies


3 charged: weighed down/burdened


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