Malcolm Whole Play

• Key words to describe Malcolm throughout Macbeth

  Morally sound, Pious, Humble, Righteous, Devoted to God, Represents God's will
• Meeting expectations

  Throughout the play, Malcolm consistently plays the roles expected of him; As his father's suspected murder, he flees the country, but as newly crowned king, here stories order to his country and begins the healing process.
• Meeting expectations - Quotes 1

  Following the discovery of Duncan's murder, Malcolm and Donalbain discuss leaving the country, because the "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 the prime suspects in Duncan's murder, so they flee to separate countries and remain hidden until circumstances allow them to emerge.
• Meeting Expectations - Quotes 2

  While discussing oncoming kingship in 4:3, Malcolm says "What I am truly, is this, 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 people's best interests in mind.
• Comparison

  Malcolm 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.

  As Duncan's son, Malcolm is the rightful leader of Scotland, while Macbeth's treason puts him at odds with any semblance of righteousness.
• A born leader

  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 good, and remains devoted to God. It is important to note that, as Duncan's son, Malcolm is the rightful born leader of Scotland.
• A born leader - Quotes 1

  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 has assumed his position as king "What's more to do... As calling home our exiled friends abroad That fled the snares of watchful tyranny".
• A born leader - Quotes 2

  In 4:3, 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" implying that the power that comes with becoming 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.
• Religion

  Malcolm's character is defined by his relationship to the concept of the divine right of kings. His entire existence is based on an accepted religious concept, and this dictates his actions throughout the play. As a representative of God's will, he prioritises God and good morals.
• Religion - Quotes 1

  In 4:3, when Malcolm is testing Macduff's loyalty, he refers to Macbeth as a "weak, poor, innocent lamb To appease an angry God". He emphasises Macbeth's weakness evident in the way power corrupted him, but he maintains that Macbeth's kingship served God, perhaps just not in the way kings were expected to serve God.

  'Lamb' within a biblical context, is an animal used for sacrifice - a symbol of triumphant and suffering. By Malcolm referring to Macbeth as this, he may be alluding that Macbeth's triumphant in becoming king, has directly lead to his pitiful suffering.
• Religion - Quotes 1.5

  "Weak poor innocent lamb To appease an angry God"

  The reference of 'God' exacerbates this as he realises that Macbeth's 'poor' and uncontrollable hubris, has led him to a pathway of 'an angry God', i.e. eternal hell.
• Religion - Quotes 2

  In 5:8, once 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.