Malcolm's Power In Macbeth

Throughout Macbeth, the play focuses on the presence of the titular tragic hero, Macbeth. Even if Macbeth’s character and story arc is interesting, no insight into another integral character can be identified. Despite Malcolm's absence, one can gain this insight by looking at how other characters act and feel about Malcolm. Although Malcolm is not corrupted by power like Macbeth, Malcolm still has his ambition, as Macduff sparks the inner ambition of the newly named king. Which certainly is different than the ambition that Macbeth posses, being morally better and more valuable for a king. Malcolm is also quite clever, as the army depends on Malcolm's leadership and intelligence to lead the army to Dunsinane. With these qualities, Malcolm is

just as good a king, if not better, than both Duncan and Macbeth. Despite Malcolm's absence and lack of political power, Shakespeare effectively contrasts Macbeth with Malcolm, to characterize Malcolm as not only a foil to Macbeth, but also just as good a king as his late father, in short, the perfect king of Scotland.

Similarities and inequalities of Macbeth and Malcolm can easily be identified and used to further justify Shakespeare's use of contrasting to create a perfect alternative of Macbeth. The ambition that both characters showcase certainly gives insight on the character’s morals. Macbeth is “luxurious, false, deceitful,sudden, malicious,” (4.3.58-59). In contrast, Malcolm is portrayed as possessing “patience, courage, fortitude, stableness, verity, justice.” (4.3.92-94). Even though Malcolm initially paints himself as having none of those traits, Malcolm reveals his actual motives as to: “wip’d the black scruples, reconcil’d my thoughts / To thy good truth and honour.” (4.3.116-117). The intelligence and the rationality of Malcolm certainly contrasts with Macbeth’s state of mind, as Macbeth is quite irrational when making decisions. Malcolm is merely testing and analysing Macduff to understand if Macduff is a threat to him. Malcolm finishes the long conversation by saying that Macduff proves himself as trustworthy and honourable. Alternatively, Macbeth is certain that the witches prophecies are flawless.Macbeth says, “Let fall thy blade on vulnerable crests; / I bear a charmed life, which must not yield / To one of woman born.” (5.8.11-13). Not only is Macbeth certain that he is Invincible, but Macbeth also claims that living life is magical for him. Shakespeare precisely uses the word “charmed” to imply that Macbeth thinks that escaping death is merely just as simple as magic, just because Macbeth was able to obtain some insight from 3 ordinary creatures. It is clear that Macbeth being “sudden” is completely the opposite of Malcolm having “patience” when making critical decisions. Though the characters are foils to each other, both still share some resemblance, a major one being that ambition that both characters portray. When presented with the crown Malcolm says, “that call upon us, by the grace of Grace / We will perform in measure, time, and place:” (5.8.72-73). Malcolm clarifies that he will follow whatever is called to do by God, to form a better kingdom than the one Macbeth ruled over. ????Malcolm’s to believe in God’s time certainly shows the patience and the mastery of his ambition???? (Can you explain this to me). The rationality of Malcolm does indeed prove the control that Malcolm has of his ambition. Which indeed does not make Malcolm a greedy king like how Macbeth is. (sentence fragment)

(we need a topic senten A way Shakespeare contrasts Malcolm and Macbeth, is through Malcolm's ambition of Macbeth without having the greed for power.

As one reads through the play, a thing to notice is that Malcolm has not been part of the wars Scotland fought, or made effort in war. In the beginning of the book, Duncan does not mention his son, Malcolm, as a tribute to the wars Scotland has fought, and won. Malcolm does not have any training or experience in managing the state of Scotland, which allows the people of Scotland to think he is unworthy of inheriting the throne. "Macduff, this noble passion, child of integrity, hath from my soul." (4.3.115). This line explains how Malcolm is inspired by Macduff's certainty of not just fighting against Macbeth, but to fight against evil. Despite the lack of valour, Malcolm decides to take action against Macbeth, as Macduff sparks the ambition inside him, of saving the people of Scotland from Macbeth. With Macduff inspiring Malcolm to fight for his people's rights against Macbeth and his evilness, Malcolm decides to take his rightful place as king, even though he does not have the qualities of a strong and brave king. In the outset of the play, Shakespeare does not focus on Malcolm's character in the play, as it was Macbeth who was known as ambitious and brave one, while Malcolm was just known as the "Prince of Cumberland." Shakespeare mainly defined Malcolm's character as weak. His character had very few lines, and was of

low significance. Thus, Malcolm has the ambition to fight against Macbeth in order to save his country, despite his lack of qualities a king of warrior should have.

In Macbeth, both Macbeth and Malcolm get opportunities acquire the crown, but both reign in contrasting ways.

When Macbeth aspires to take the throne, he acknowledges that Duncan was a better king. Macbeth demonstrates that he is not seizing power for others, only to satisfy his lust for power. This is referenced when Macbeth orders to “hang those that talk of fear” (5.3.36), or to hang the people who are worried about the invading army. In doing so, Macbeth demonstrates that he cares only about his well being, rather than that of his subjects. In contrast, Malcolm’s reasoning and actions are much more noble. Macduff’s dialogue when attempting to convince Malcolm is almost entirely based on how unfavorable Macbeth’s kingship is to Scotland. Macduff describes it as under “great tyranny” (4.3.32) and that with “each new morn… new sorrows strike” (5.3.5-7) and that “Not in the legions/ Of horrid hell can come a devil more damn'd/ In evils to top Macbeth.”(4.3.55). Not only does this inspire Malcolm to return to Scotland, it also explains why Malcolm returns, not for himself, but for his country. One can see that he is quite tactical from his leading the assault on Dunsinane, despite not being in the military or having experience. Malcolm also proves himself to be perceptive, as he recognizes the danger on his life. One can even examine Malcolm’s philosophy in his final soliloquy; he speaks of “calling home exiled friends who fled” (5.8.66-67), the kingdom being “planted newly”

(5.8.65), to do the will of god “in measure, time and grace” (5.8.73). All in all, Malcolm reclaims the crown for selfless reasons, but also will use it selflessly, in contrast to of his predecessor.