Was Macduff missing from the royal banquet?
If Macduff did not attend the royal banquet, why was it said earlier that all the country's honourable people were gathered under the roof except Banquo? Why did Macbeth not mention Macduff then?
The scene at the royal banquet where it is claimed that all the country's honorable people are gathered except Banquo, but there is no mention of Macduff.
Macbeth's Public Persona and Political Strategy:
During the banquet, Macbeth is trying to consolidate his power and reassure the nobles of his leadership.
Publicly acknowledging that a significant figure like Macduff has deliberately chosen not to attend could raise questions about Macbeth's legitimacy and the extent of his support.
By not mentioning Macduff, Macbeth might be attempting to minimize the perception of division or opposition within the ranks of the Scottish nobility.
Focus on Banquo: At this point in the play, Macbeth's primary concern is Banquo, primarily due to the witches' prophecy that Banquo's descendants will inherit the throne.
Macbeth's fixation on eliminating Banquo as a threat overshadows his concern about Macduff's dissent at this moment.
Thus, his focus during the banquet is more on the absence of Banquo, whose ghost appears to him, further intensifying his guilt and paranoia.
Macduff’s Growing Suspicion:
Macduff's absence from the banquet is not just a personal decision but a significant political statement.
He is already suspicious of Macbeth's ascension to the throne, particularly under the mysterious circumstances of King Duncan’s death.
Macbeth likely chooses not to draw attention to Macduff’s absence to avoid public scrutiny or discussions that could lead others to doubt his rule.