Malcolm Flashcards
“This tyrant… was once thought honest”
Macbeth used to be respectful but now he is an evil tyrant
The word “tyrant” carries strong negative connotations, typically implying a cruel, oppressive, and unjust ruler who exercises absolute power, often through force or intimidation
“A good and virtuous nature may recoil in an imperial charge”
suggests that even a person of good character can be corrupted or swayed by the immense power and demands of a kingly position
https://pmt.physicsandmathstutor.com/download/English-Literature/GCSE/Notes/AQA/Macbeth/Themes/Abuse%20of%20Power%20and%20Kingship.pdf
Traits of a noble king
Malcolm’s wisdom and shrewd perception are demonstrated when he checks that Macduff
isn’t a spy sent by Macbeth. He suspects Macduff of “offer[ing] up a weak, poor, innocent
lamb / T’appease an angry god,” (4.3). The metaphor of ritual sacrifice conveys
Macbeth’s bloodthirst, unruly power, and warped sense of his own importance.
“Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell”
a biblical allusion to the fall of Lucifer, highlighting the enduring nature of goodness even in the face of great evil, and serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for even the most virtuous to fall from grace.
Enduring Goodness:
Despite Lucifer’s fall, the line suggests that the inherent goodness of angels, and by extension, humanity, remains even when faced with the most egregious acts of evil.
Cautionary Tale:
The line serves as a warning, suggesting that even those who appear virtuous or powerful can succumb to temptation and fall from grace, as Macbeth himself is in the play.
Malcolm’s Character:
The line also reveals Malcolm’s cautious and careful nature, as he is aware of the potential for even the most virtuous to fall from grace
