malcolm

• keywords:

  • Morally sound, pious (very religious), humble, righteous, devoted to God, represents God's will.
• Throughout the play, Malcolm consistently plays the roles expected of him; As his father's suspected murder, he flees the country.

  • But, as new found king, he restores order to his country and begins the healing process.
• Following the discovery of Duncan's murder, Malcom and Donalbain discuss leaving the country because "This murderous shaft that's shot // Hath not yet lighted, and our safest way // Is to avoid the aim".

  • The brothers understand that they will be prime suspects of Duncan's murder, so they flee to separate countries and remain hidden until the circumstances allow them to emerge.
• While discussing oncoming kingship in Scene 4, Act 3, Malcolm says "What am I truly, // Is thine, and my poor country's, to command"

  • His words emphasise the expectation of a king to be led by his people, as well as to lead.
  • He makes it clear that, as king, he will lead with his people's best interests in mind.
• Shakespeare portrays Malcolm as a clear example of the correct way to take on kingship. He tests the loyalty of his subjects in an attempt to strengthen the prospect of God and remains devoted to God.

  • As Duncan's son, Malcolm is the rightful born leader of Scotland.
• Following his father's death, Malcolm flees to England to raise an army to overthrow Macbeth. Though he is in no position of power, he prioritises Scotland.

  • As a true king would, stating once he assumed his position as king "What's more there to do... // As calling home exiled friends abroad // That fled the snares of watchful tyranny".
• Malcom serves as a benchmark by which we can judge Macbeth's reign.

  • His actions and motivations help us consider ideas of manhood, family, and royal duty, all of which Macbeth seems to pervert.
• In Scene 4, Act 3, Malcolm tests the loyalty and morals of Macduff (who was one of his father's most loyal subjects), he says:

  • "A good and virtuous nature may recoil // In an imperial charge. But I shall crave your pardon"

  This implies that the power that comes with being king could distort his morals as it did with Macbeth.

  By testing Macduff's morals, Malcolm is ensuring his subjects are morally sound to mirror himself.

  • The awareness of the fatalities of ambition once again exacerbates Macbeth's recklessness and unchecked-ambition.
• Malcolm has no ulterior motives, except focusing on the restoration of his beloved country.

  • His patriotism is poignant and is a stark contrast to the leadership of Macbeth.
• Malcolm is the anthesis of violence, when Duncan is murdered, his suggestion is not to combat it, but instead, pacify it through fleeing.
• Malcolm's character is defined by his relationship with the concept of the divine right of kings. His entire existence is based on the accepted religious concept, and this dictates his actions throughout the play.

  • As a representative of God's will, he prioritises God and good morals.
• In Scene 4, Act 3, Malcolm refers to Macbeth as: "weak poor innocent lamb // To appease an angry god"

  • Malcolm may be alluding that Macbeth is triumphant in becoming king, which has directly led to his pitiful suffering.
  • He emphasises Macbeth's weakness evident in the way power corrupted him.
• In Scene 4, Act 3, Malcolm refers to Macbeth as: "weak poor innocent lamb // To appease an angry god"

  • 'Lamb', within a biblical context, is an animal used for sacrifice - a symbol of triumphant and suffering.

  Malcolm may be alluding that Macbeth's triumphant in becoming king, which has directly led to his suffering.
• In Scene 4, Act 3, Malcolm refers to Macbeth as: "weak poor innocent lamb // To appease an angry god"

  • The reference to 'God' exacerbates this as he realises that Macbeth's "poor" and uncontrollable hubris, has led him to a pathway of "an angry God" - which is eternal hell.
• In Scene 5, Act 8, Macbeth is slain and Malcolm has assumed his position as rightful king, he says:

  • "by the grace of Grace // We will perform in measure, time and place"

  Malcolm's pious nature shines through, and he devotes his kingship to God.