Why did Macbeth surrender to Macduff?

In Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth,” Macbeth ultimately surrenders to Macduff after a fierce battle. This decision is driven by several factors. Firstly, Macbeth has become increasingly tyrannical and paranoid, leading him to commit numerous atrocities in his quest for power. By the time Macduff confronts him, Macbeth’s reign has become unsustainable, and he is facing growing opposition from those he has wronged. Additionally, Macbeth learns that Macduff was “not of woman born,” a revelation that undermines Macbeth’s confidence in the prophecies that had previously driven his actions. Faced with a formidable opponent and the collapse of his rule, Macbeth ultimately chooses to surrender to Macduff, recognizing the futility of further resistance.

Macbeth’s surrender to Macduff also reflects a deeper psychological shift within the once-ambitious king. As Macduff declares, “Accursed be that tongue that tells me so, For it hath cow’d my better part of man!” This line suggests that Macbeth’s belief in the prophecies has eroded his sense of humanity, leaving him bereft of the moral fortitude to continue fighting. Ultimately, Macbeth’s decision to surrender represents a tacit acknowledgment of the moral and psychological toll his actions have taken, and a resignation to the inevitable downfall of his tyrannical reign.

Relevant Passages:

Act v, Scene viii

In this passage, Macbeth and Macduff engage in a final battle, with Macbeth initially refusing to fight due to a prophecy that he cannot be killed by anyone born from a woman. However, Macduff reveals that he was born via c-section, and they continue to fight until Macbeth is defeated. Malcolm and Siward arrive with their soldiers, and it is mentioned that Macduff is missing and Siward’s son has been killed.

Act iv, Scene i

Lennox tells another lord about recent events, including Duncan’s death and Macbeth’s reaction, as well as the whereabouts of Macduff and the King’s plan for war.

Enter Lennox. and another
Lord. .

LENNOX.
My former speeches have but hit your thoughts,
Which can interpret farther: only, I say,
Thing’s have been strangely borne. The gracious Duncan
Was pitied of Macbeth:—marry, he was dead:—
And the right valiant Banquo walk’d too late;
Whom, you may say, if’t please you, Fleance kill’d,
For Fleance fled. Men must not walk too late.
Who cannot want the thought, how monstrous
It was for Malcolm and for Donalbain
To kill their gracious father? damned fact!
How it did grieve Macbeth! did he not straight,
In pious rage, the two delinquents tear
That were the slaves of drink and thralls of sleep?
Was not that nobly done? Ay, and wisely too;
For ‘twould have anger’d any heart alive,
To hear the men deny’t. So that, I say,
He has borne all things well: and I do think,
That had he Duncan’s sons under his key
(As, and’t please heaven, he shall not) they should find
What ’twere to kill a father; so should Fleance.
But, peace!—for from broad words, and ’cause he fail’d
His presence at the tyrant’s feast, I hear,
Macduff lives in disgrace. Sir, can you tell
Where he bestows himself?

LORD.
The son of Duncan,
From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth,
Lives in the English court and is receiv’d
Of the most pious Edward with such grace
That the malevolence of fortune nothing
Takes from his high respect. Thither Macduff
Is gone to pray the holy king, upon his aid
To wake Northumberland, and warlike Siward
That, by the help of these (with Him above
To ratify the work), we may again
Give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights;
Free from our feasts and banquets bloody knives,
Do faithful homage, and receive free honours,
All which we pine for now. And this report
Hath so exasperate the King that he
Prepares for some attempt of war.

LENNOX.
Sent he to Macduff?

LORD.
He did: and with an absolute “Sir, not I,”
The cloudy messenger turns me his back,
And hums, as who should say, “You’ll rue the time
That clogs me with this answer.”

Act v, Scene i

Malcolm and Macduff discuss their grief and anger over the current state of Scotland under Macbeth’s tyrannical rule. Malcolm suggests seeking refuge and Macduff expresses his determination to seek revenge.

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