Kate+S.

Kate Saunders Mrs. Ficca Honors English 12 18 Mar 2008

= = The characters of [|Shakespeare]'s plays could often be compared to historical figures. Many of them possessed significant qualities of **(delete of)** which could be related to real world people in history. In Shakespeare's [|Macbeth], the character of [|Macduff] posseses **(misspelled)** the strong outstanding qualities of being an all around good person who fought for his country and respected his family who was killed because of his political involvement. [|King Edward IV] who reigned in[| England] from 1461 to 1471, possesed **(misspelled)** these same qualities.**(Good intro.)**
 * Macduff & Edward IV: Good Men Who Fought For The Success Of Their Countries**

King Edward IV came to power when his father was killed in the [|Battle Of Wakefield] during [|The War Of The Roses.]During his reign he managed to defeat the [|Lancastrians]and gained support in his victory at the [|Battle Of Towton]. He married [|Elizabeth Woodville], a Lancastrian**** in order to keep Warwick from claiming the thrown **(throne)**. They had 10 children, 7 of which survived him. Although he was a very well liked and respected king and militairy **(misspelled)** leader, he was said to have many illegitimate children to other women. Edward IV died in 1483 of natural causes. Macduff, a scottish **(capitalize)** nobleman in the play, //Macbeth,// **(don't enclose in commas)** becomes a leader in the fight to defeat Macbeth and crown Malcolm as king. He sought to fight for his country and put the rightful person in power. He is able to defeat Macbeth and unite Scotland once again. As well as Macduff, Edward IV also fought for his country during his reign. He fought alongside his brother, [|Richard Neville, the 16th Earl Of Warwick]**** to defeat the Lancastrians who were trying to seize the thrown **(throne)** of England as was Macbeth trying to seize the thrown **(throne)** of [|Scotland]in the play.

Macduff was a very good hearted person and possessed good leadership skills while he was in power. He expresses his good qualities when he goes back to defeat Macbeth when it isn’t him **(he)** that is becoming king. He wishes to do good for his country and honor his family that Macbeth killed. He is very hurt when he finds out that Macbeth killed his family**** which shows the honor and love he ahd**(misspelled)** for his family. "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). Edward IV was also a good person who wished to fight for and honor his country and family. He defeated the Lancastrians entirely by the end of his reign. He was very well liked by the people and his supporters stayed loyal to him to his death.

Both Macduff's and Edward IV's families were killed due to their power and political influence. Macduff's wife and son were killed when he fled to England escape from Macbeth, **(Huh?)** leaving them behind in the castle. When Macbeth is told by the witches to beware Macduff and finds out that he has fled, he has his family killed and his castle seized. “The castle of Macduff I will surprise;/Seize upon Fife; give to th’edge o’ th’ sword/His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls/That trace him in his line” (4.1.150-154). Edward IV's sons,[|Richard and Edward],called the Princes In The Tower, were killed after his death because Edward IV's brother, Richard Neville**** wanted to claim the thrown **(throne)**.His sons were alleged to be illegitimate and due to this, not proper heirs to the thrown **(throne)**. Richard had them locked in a tower where they dissappeared **(misspelled)** and were believed to have been killed so that he could seize power in England.

Both Macduff and King Edward IV were good men who were well liked and supported by the people. Because of their strong efforts in helping their country, they gained enemies and lost their families. Both men, real and fictional, led lives that are remembered for their heroic and honored accomplishments.**(nice conclusion, good analysis)**