Malcolm

Who is Malcolm?

1. Prince of Cumberland: The Heir Apparent

• Malcolm, the son of King Duncan, is initially portrayed as the rightful heir to the throne of Scotland, signified by his title as Prince of Cumberland. This position sets the stage for his journey throughout the play, from a potential victim of Macbeth's ambition to a restorer of order.
• Key Moment: When Duncan declares Malcolm as his successor, which inadvertently motivates Macbeth's murderous ambition.

"We will establish our estate upon / Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter / The Prince of Cumberland." (Act 1, Scene 4)

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2. Shrewd and Perceptive

• Malcolm's growth as a character is marked by his increasing wisdom and perceptiveness. He learns to be cautious and shrewd, especially when dealing with Macbeth, whom he does not initially trust despite Macbeth's seeming loyalty.
• Key Moment: Malcolm tests Macduff's loyalty in England, showing his ability to learn from his father's trusting nature and mistakes.

"Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell. / Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace, / Yet grace must still look so." (Act 4, Scene 3)

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3. Capable Leader and Tactician

• Throughout the play, Malcolm develops into a capable leader. He shows both military and political awareness, particularly in the scenes leading to the battle against Macbeth.
• Key Moment: Malcolm instructs his soldiers to cut down branches from Birnam Wood to use as camouflage, a strategic move that fulfills the witches' prophecy and demonstrates his tactical ingenuity.

"Let every soldier hew him down a bough / And bear't before him; thereby shall we shadow / The numbers of our host." (Act 5, Scene 4)

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4. Restoration of Order

• The culmination of Malcolm's arc is his restoration of order to Scotland following Macbeth's tyrannical rule. His ascension to the throne is a return to legitimacy and moral order in the realm.
• Key Moment: Malcolm's final speech where he invites everyone to his coronation, symbolising the restoration of rightful order and healing for Scotland.

"By the grace of Grace, / We will perform in measure, time and place: / So, thanks to all at once and to each one, / Whom we invite to see us crown'd at Scone." (Act 5, Scene 8)

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Adjectives

Adjective	Explanation
Astute	Malcolm demonstrates keen insight and shrewdness, especially in testing Macduff's loyalty before trusting him.
Cautious	He exhibits prudence by carefully assessing situations and people, learning from his father's overly trusting nature.
Perceptive	His ability to understand underlying motives is evident when he discerns the true nature of Macbeth's intentions.
Strategic	Malcolm showcases strategic thinking by using clever military tactics during the battle against Macbeth.

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Key Quotes for Malcolm

1. "We will establish our estate upon / Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter / The Prince of Cumberland."
2. "Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell. / Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace, / Yet grace must still look so."
3. "Let every soldier hew him down a bough / And bear't before him; thereby shall we shadow / The numbers of our host."
4. "By the grace of Grace, / We will perform in measure, time and place: / So, thanks to all at once and to each one, / Whom we invite to see us crown'd at Scone."