malcolm- intro/conc

• intro:

  • Duncans eldest son
  • established as Duncans successor- represented as the natural, divine heir to the throne
  • significant threat to Macbeths ambition as he is yet 'a step' which Macbeth must overcome
• conc:

  • Malcolm is returned to sitting on the Scottish throne
  • symbolises a return to order and the end of anarchy as the divine right states he is Duncans natural successor
  • it is important that Malcolm did not begin his reign with committing regicide (killing Macbeth) as this would have been the exact same crime committed by Macbeth in the first place