Characters
Macbeth One of these admirable qualities is apparent immediately after Duncan’s body is found. Macbeth
and the other thanes make a public spectacle of their grief. Malcolm shows himself to be a shrewd judge of character when he suspects one of the thanes to be responsible for the crime: ‘To show an unfelt sorrow is an office / Which the false man does easy’ (Act 2, Sc 3). Malcolm is clearly aware that he is surrounded by treachery. Malcolm is also a prudent character: while in the court of King Edward he is slow to trust Macduff. As he says, ‘modest wisdom plucks me / From over-credulous haste’ (Act 4, Sc 3). This quality was sorely lacking in Duncan, who trusted both the former Thane of Cawdor and Macbeth – both of whom betrayed him. Malcolm also reveals himself to be a capable leader in his role as head of the allied forces. He
confidently proclaims his army as agents of God and affirms the moral justification for ousting Macbeth: ‘Macbeth / Is ripe for shaking, and the powers above / Put on their instruments’ (Act 4, Sc 3). He displays his tactical wisdom when he orders his men to mask their numbers by carrying branches from BirnamWood thus giving an appearance of fewer soldiers. Despite the fact that he occupies a relatively minor role within the play, Malcolm asserts his importance as a symbol of kingship and social order at the play’s close. He delivers the final lines dismissing the ‘dead butcher and his fiend-like queen’ and inviting all to witness his coronation. Despite his admirable qualities and his ability to lead, Malcolm remains uninspiring for the
audience. Macbeth arouses both horror and pity; Malcolm and the forces of good are somewhat lost in the midst of this. Although Macbeth is a deplorable and tyrannical king, his plight occupies the imagination of the audience. Malcolm’s story neatly concludes the play but is not intended to move the audience. Instead the audience is kept focused on the tragic figure of Macbeth.
Malcolm:
Possessed of kingly virtues
Ultimately uninspiring for the audience Duncan
AVirtuous King In Shakespeare’s time the king was the political leader of the country and was thought to be God’s representative on earth. Duncan exhibits the qualities of a strong and virtuous king. He is described in religious terms that align him with God and is presented as a trusting character. These factors mark him as an innocent victim and therefore emphasise the evil of Macbeth’s crime. Duncan is portrayed as a confident and kind leader. In the second scene of the play he acts
decisively to punish the former Thane of Cawdor for his treachery. In the same scene, he also displays compassion in his concern for the bleeding sergeant who reports on the battle. Duncan is seen as generous in his willingness to reward those who have displayed loyalty. He is
quick to confer the title of Thane of Cawdor on Macbeth and appears genuinely grateful for Macbeth’s part in the battle: ‘Only I have left to say, / More is thy due than more than all can pay’. He promises to favour Macbeth in the future: ‘I have begun to plant thee, and will labour / To make thee full of growing’ (Act 1, Sc 4).His gratitude to Banquo is similarly expressed.Duncan displays virtues that ensure his popularity as a king: decisiveness, generosity and graciousness. In soliloquy,Macbeth questionswhether he should proceedwith themurder and reflects onDuncan
as a leader. Macbeth himself acknowledges Duncan as a virtuous and popular king. He notes that Duncan has used his power with restraint and acted with honesty in his important role: ‘... Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office, that his virtues Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against The deep damnation of his taking-off’ (Act 1, Sc 7)
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