Character- Malcolm Flashcards
Quotations + Grade 9 Analysis
“This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues, / Was once thought honest.”
Act 4, Scene 3
-Metaphor: Macbeth’s name causes pain, showing how far he has fallen.
-Irony: Macbeth was once praised by Duncan.
-Grade 9 Insight: Malcolm recognises the corruption of false kingship. Shakespeare positions him as a voice of moral judgement, contrasting Macbeth’s betrayal with Malcolm’s commitment to truth.
Theme: Kingship & Leadership
“What I am truly, / Is thine and my poor country’s to command.”
Act 4, Scene 3
-Modesty and patriotism: Offers himself in service, not dominance.
-Contrast to Macbeth: Macbeth demands loyalty through fear, Malcolm earns it through humility.
-Grade 9 Insight: Shakespeare presents Malcolm as the ideal king, one who serves his people and restores order, echoing the divine right of kings.
Theme: Kingship & Leadership
“To show an unfelt sorrow is an office / Which the false man does easy.”
Act 2, Scene 3
-Insightful observation: Fake grief is a tactic of liars.
-Foreshadowing: Malcolm suspects Macbeth even now.
-Grade 9 Insight: Shakespeare uses Malcolm to reflect the theme of deception. Unlike Duncan, Malcolm is more sceptical and cautious, showing growth in the royal line.
Theme: Appearance vs Reality
“Macbeth / Is ripe for shaking, and the powers above / Put on their instruments.”
Act 4, Scene 3
-Metaphor: Macbeth is like a fruit ready to fall—his downfall is near.
-Religious imagery: “Powers above” suggests divine justice.
-Grade 9 Insight: Malcolm sees himself as an agent of divine retribution. Shakespeare uses him to represent righteous resistance against tyranny.
“Let us seek out / Some desolate shade, and there / Weep our sad bosoms empty.”
Act 4, Scene 3 – Malcolm to Macduff
-Sensitivity: Offers space to grieve before planning action.
-Compassionate leadership: He validates Macduff’s pain.
-Grade 9 Insight: Shakespeare contrasts Malcolm’s emotional intelligence with Macbeth’s coldness. He shows that strength and empathy can coexist in great leaders.
Theme: Justice, Revenge & Restoring Order
“By the grace of Grace, / We will perform in measure, time and place.”
Act 5, Scene 9
-Religious repetition: “Grace” links kingship to divine will.
-Orderly tone: “Measure, time and place” signals the return of structure.
-Grade 9 Insight: Shakespeare ends the play with Malcolm, reinforcing that legitimacy, order and divine rule have been restored. Macbeth’s chaos has been replaced by a just, godly rule.
Theme: Justice, Revenge & Restoring Order
