Malcolm

Cards (9)

  • ‘A good virtuous nature may recoil //in an imperial change’ (said to Macduff in act 4)
  • Diction on ‘recoil’
    Malcolms statement betrays a deep understanding of human nature. The diction on ‘recoil’ illuminates he recognises the seductive nature of power and the risk moral compromise, even for the well-intentioned.
  • This subtle admission underscore Malcolms wisdom – he recognises that true leadership requires not just good intentions, but also the strength to comfort the potential compromises that power demands
  • Enjambment:

    The enjabment after ’recoil’ makes the line bleed into the next, this physically represents how swiftly an individual with a good and virtous nature can be seduced by the allure of ‘imperial charge’ and power
  • Malcolm is shrewd and wise as he understands the complexities of human nature – how even those divinely ordained, like himself, can be swayed by the Satanic Temptations of power. Here, Malcolm acknowledges of fragility of faith in the face of immense ambition
  • ‘What I am truly’// is thine, and my poor countries, to command‘ (act4)
  • Here, Malcolm defines himself through unwavering dedication to his service – serving Macduff and his ‘poor country’. The selfless declaration positions him once again as the antithesis of the tyrannical ambition of Macbeth.
  • Possessive pronoun ‘my’:

    malcoms use of the possessives pronoun ’my’ before ‘poor countries’ reveals more than just ownership. It illuminates a sense of paternalistic tenderness . The word ‘poor’ evokes sympathy for Scotlands suffering user macbeth‘s dismantling rule .
  • By calling it ‘my poor country’, Malcolm portray himself not as a distant ruler, but as a compassionate protector. This choice of words reinforces his image as a leader with the character and empathy beffitting a true king