At the beginning of the play, Macbeth and Macduff are very similar in many ways, including rank, leadership, beliefs, and loyalty. But as the play unfolds, Shakespeare reveals that these two characters are as different as night and day. In this essay I will compare and contrast the characters of the murderous Macbeth and the frank Macduff. I will consider their status within Scottish society and the depth of their intelligence. I will also evaluate their actions and relationships with other characters, including their families, and discuss their levels of ambition. Macbeth is originally the Thane of Glamis while Macduff is the Thane of Fife; Both men are therefore high-ranking generals in the Scottish army and are both greatly loved and respected by King Duncan. Between the two men, many battles were won. As a reward for his valiant battles, Duncan rewards Macbeth by naming him Thane of Cawdor. Macbeth's intelligence consists of thoughts about how to become king and secure his position without actually considering the consequences his behavior will bring. When the three witches promise Macbeth that he will soon become king, he takes his destiny into his own hands and attempts to speed up the process by murdering Duncan and literally crowning himself as the new king of Scotland. This becomes known as the turning point in Macbeth's moral nature and loyalty as he launches into further atrocities with increasing ease. He puts all his trust in witchcraft and asks the three witches to predict his future by showing him several illusions. From these illusions, Macbeth realizes "...for none of the women born / Will harm Macbeth" (4, 1, 79-81), for every man is born of a woman and therefore Macbeth is born...... middle paper. .....h social status in Scotland, but everyone sees others and their families very differently. I think the only mistake Macduff makes is when he leaves his family unprotected and without telling them where he is going or the purpose of his journey. Shakespeare can be said to gain Macduff's respect and approval, as this humanity is reminded once again when Macduff cries to Macbeth, “I have no words; my voice is in my sword. » (5, 7, 35-36). It is his words, very tacit, which contrast with the empty rhetoric of Macbeth. Macbeth (Arden Shakespeare), ISBN: 978-1903436486James Sale (2002) York Notes on “Macbeth”, by William Shakespeare, ISBN: 978-0582505919DVDMacbeth (1971) John Finch, Francesca AnnisDirected by: Roman Polanski