Malcom Flashcards
“What’s more to do…// As calling home our exiled friends abroad// that fled the snares of watchful tyranny”
act 5
appearence vs reality
“A good and virtuous nature may recoil// In an imperial charge. But i shall crave your pardon”
He tests the loyalty of his subjects in an attempt to strengthen the prospect of good, and remains devoted to God
- though he is in no position of power, he prioritises Scotland, as a true king would, and condemns the “watchful tyranny” Macbeth subjects Scotland to
- Malcom has no ulterior motives, except focuses on the restoration of his beloved country. His patriotism is poignant and is a stark contrast to the leadership of Macbeth
- Implying that the power comes with being a King could distort his morals as it did with Macbeth
- this awareness of the fatalities of ambition once again exacerbates Macbeth’s recklessness and unchecked ambitions
“this murderous shaft that’s shot// Hath not yet lighted, and our safest way is to avoid him”
“What I am truly//Is thine, and my poor country’s to demand”
Malcom serves as a benchmark by which we can judge Macbeth’s reign. His actions and motivations help us consider the ideas of manhood, family, and royal duty, all which Macbeth’s preverts
- the antithesis of violence, when Duncan is murdered, his suggestion is not to combat it with violence but instead pacify it through fleeing
- 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 his peoples’ best interests in mind
“weak poor innocent lamb// To appease an angry God”
act 4
violence
Malcom’s character is defined by his relationship to the concept of the divine right of kings. As a representative of God’s will, he prioritises God and good morals
- “Lamb” within biblical context, is an animal used for sacrifice - a symbol of triumphant and suffering
- By Malcom referring to Macbeth as this, he may be alluding that Macbeth’s triumphant in becoming King, has directly lead to a pitiful suffering
- The reference of “God” exacerbates this as he realises that Macbeth’s “poor” and unconrtollable Hubris, has lead to a pathway of “an angry God”; an eternal hell
