Why does Macbeth kill Macduff wife and kids?

Question:At this stage Macbeth is far along the path of insanity, as his wife has pushed him into becoming a murderous, dishonest ruler.

He sees Macduff as a threat and he realises that he cant kill off Macduff at that moment in time. (Macduff is off with his army)
Macbeth is a cowardly man, and would prefer not to take on an entire army when his aim is just to get rid of one man. So instead he chooses to hurt Macduff emotionally, in the hope that he would crumble in grief after hearing of his murdered loved ones.

In fact Macbeths actions do the complete opposite- Macduff is spurred on by his anger and eventually takes Macbeth's life for it.

Hope this has helped.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: At this stage Macbeth is far along the path of insanity, as his wife has pushed him into becoming a murderous, dishonest ruler.

He sees Macduff as a threat and he realises that he cant kill off Macduff at that moment in time. (Macduff is off with his army)
Macbeth is a cowardly man, and would prefer not to take on an entire army when his aim is just to get rid of one man. So instead he chooses to hurt Macduff emotionally, in the hope that he would crumble in grief after hearing of his murdered loved ones.

In fact Macbeths actions do the complete opposite- Macduff is spurred on by his anger and eventually takes Macbeth's life for it.

Hope this has helped.

He was just kinda a jerk.

coz he couldnt have any oppositional threats