Melissa+R.

**The Saviors**

In [|Shakespeare's] //Macbeth//, the [|tragic hero] is the loyal Macduff. Macduff is a character with many great qualities that make him an admirable countryman. Not only does Macduff fight for his people, but he also dedicates his time to securing the safety and prosperity of his entire country, Scotland. [|Jesus Christ]and Macduff share many of the same characteristics and life experiences that allow them to be the saviors of their people. Both [|Macduff] and Christ are destined to do great things from the start of their abnormal births; they sacrifice themselves for a cause that they are passionate about, thus allowing for the liberation of their fellow countrymen.**(Excellent intro.)**

The first reason why Macduff and Christ are similar is because of their peculiar births. For instance, from the very beginning of his life, Christ was destined to accomplish great things, including becoming a leader and savior to the people. This is why God could not just settle on just any woman to be his mother, but selected the virtuous [|Virgin Mary] to give birth to Christ. Macduff was also destined for great things from the start of his life. This is because he possesses “the pow’r of man, for none of woman born,” (4.1.80) allowing him the supremacy over the average man and opportunity to overthrow Macbeth. However, Macbeth does not realize the immense threat that Macduff holds until Macduff declares, “Macduff was from his mother’s womb / Untimely ripped” (5.8.15-16). This revelation shocks Macbeth who is taken a back and is thus faced with a premature death. Overall, Macduff and Christ both possess a similar experience in life because of their sacred births into a position of power and ultimately superiority.

Yet another characteristic in **(delete "in")** which Macduff and Jesus Christ share, **(delete comma)** are **(is)** their wiliness to sacrifice themselves for a cause that they feel strongly about. For example, Macduff travels to England to recruit the rightful king of Scotland, while leaving his own family behind and risking their lives in the turmoil of his country. Despite,**(delete comma)** knowing the possible harm his family might encounter, Macduff realizes that it is more important to go to England rather than stay in the deteriorating Scotland. However, when he does receive the news of his family’s murder, Macduff is extremely distraught, which is apparent in the following quote, **(Use a colon instead of a comma)**“They were all struck for thee! Naught that I am / Not for their own demerits but for mine / Fell slaughter on their souls. Heaven rest them now!” (4.3.225-227). Macduff knows that in order to avenge his family’s sacrifice and save Scotland from its tyrant ruler, that **(delete "that')** he needs to devise a plan with Malcolm to overthrow the dictator [|Macbeth]. Macduff’s sacrifice of his own family only further proves the dedication and compassion he possesses towards his homeland. Although Macduff did not sacrifice himself directly like Christ did, Macduff does sacrifice his family, whom **(who)** are very close and dear to him. Overall, while Jesus Christ sacrifices his own life in order to save all Christians, Macduff allows the sacrificial slaughter of his own family in order to save the countrymen of Scotland. **(good analysis)**

Lastly, Macduff and Christ are alike because they both are able to use their power and position to save the numerous suffering people. By dying on the Cross, Christ has saved the Christians, and similarly by fighting for his suppressed countrymen, Macduff has saved [|Scotland]. Without these heroic acts people would have continued to be oppressed by the tyrant-like ruling and the temptations of evil. It is evident that after Macbeth’s demise, Scotland is able to head towards the path of a united and strong country. This is shown when Malcolm says, “So thanks to all at once and to each one / Whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone” (5.8.74-75). In this statement, Malcolm thanks all of his thanes and kinsmen, inviting them to the celebration in which he will be crowned king of Scotland. The crowning at Scone will mark the beginning of a prosperous Scotland.

In conclusion, in Shakespeare’s //Macbeth//, Macduff portrays similar characteristics and life experiences that Jesus Christ once had. These include their fate from birth to be saviors, their ability to sacrifice what is cherished to them in order to benefit others, and their dedication to ending the suffering of all people. Overall, through these qualities Christ has been able to liberate Christians while Macduff is able to free the oppressed townspeople of Scotland.
 * Beautiful job!!!**

[|Melissa and Aly Works Cited.doc]