Why, courage then! What cannot be avoided Twere childish weakness to lament or fear

Why, courage then! What cannot be avoided Twere childish weakness to lament or fear

In the play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare, the character Macduff speaks these words to Malcolm after learning of the murder of his wife and children at the hands of Macbeth. This powerful statement encapsulates the theme of courage and resilience in the face of adversity that runs throughout the play.

Macduff's response to the tragic news of his family's murder is one of defiance and determination. Instead of succumbing to despair and fear, he chooses to embrace courage and strength in order to seek justice and revenge against Macbeth. This demonstrates Macduff's unwavering resolve and his refusal to be defeated by the evil forces at play in the world of the play.

The phrase "What cannot be avoided Twere childish weakness to lament or fear" suggests that it is futile to dwell on the past or to be consumed by fear of the future. Instead, one must face challenges head-on with courage and determination. This sentiment is echoed throughout Shakespeare's works, as many of his characters are faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles but choose to confront them with bravery and fortitude.