Malcom Flashcards
“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
What I am truly//is thing and my poor countries to command
Act 4
Appearance vs reality
- Caesura (pause in midle of the line): The caesura after “thine” creates a momentary pause. This silence, delivered by the actor, allows the audience to fully absorb Malcolm’s honest dedication. There’s no gap between his outward presentation and his inner reality - he is, in essence, the embodiment of a true king.
- Here, Malcolm defines himself through unwavering dedication to his service - serving Macduff and his “poor country” This selfless declaration positions him once again as the antithesis (contrast) of the tyrannical Macbeth.
Possessive pronoun “my”: Malcolm’s use of the possessive pronoun “my” before “peer countries” reveals more than just ownership. It illuminates a sense of paternalistic (fatherly) tenderness. The word “poor” evokes sympathy for Scotland’s suffering under Macbeth’s dismantling rule. - By calling it “my poor country,” Malcolm portrays 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 befitting (suitable) a true king.
A good and virtuous nature may recoil// in an imperial charge. But I shall carve your parden
Diction on recoll: Malcolm’s statement betrays a deep understanding of human nature and how one can appear to have good intentions, yet in reality be swayed by malevolent influences. The diction on “recoil” illuminates he recognises the seductive nature of power and the risk of moral compromise, even for the well-intentioned.and now ohe can appear to have good intentions, yet in reality be swayed by malevolent influences. The diction on “recoil’ illuminates he recognises the seductive nature of power and the risk of moral compromise, even for the well-intentioned.
* This subtle admission underscores Malcolm’s wisdom - he recognises that true leadership requires not just good intentions, but also the strength to confront the potential compromises that power demands.
* Enjambment: The enjambment after ‘recoil makes the line bleed into the next, this physically representing how swiftly an individual with a “good and virtuous nature” can be seduced by the allure of “imperial charge” and power.
* Malcolm is shrewd (good judgement) and wise as he understands the complexities of human nature - how even those divinely ordained, like himself, can be swayed by the satanic temptation of power. Here, Malcolm acknowledges the fragility of faith in the face of immense ambition.
