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

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

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”