“My liege, they are not yet come back (…) That very frankly he confessed his treasons, implored your Highness’ pardon, and set forth(…) (I.iv.37) Through these two quotes it is possible to assume that the relation between the prince Malcolm and his father the king Duncan is a more formal, less emotional one. This is deduced through Malcolm’s referral of his father as my liege and your Highness’, titles the other generals also use. “Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter The Prince of Cumberland; which honor must not unaccompanied invest him only, but signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine on all deservers.” (I.iv.4448). Through this quote it is possible to analyze two main points: one is that Malcolm is the eldest son of the king and probably not the only one due to him being referred as the eldest one, and the second main point is a sense that Malcolm is an honorable and noble man according to his father, who will bring honor and nobility to his reign.This tells us that Malcom has a noble personality and is seen by his father as a proper suitor to the throne.
First of all, I think that the first verse is not only an issue of lack of emotion, but you should have also mentioned the way that people were raised back in those days. Malcolm’s only purpose is to assume the throne after Duncan is dead, and his father maybe realising what his sons purpose is has tried to raise him in order that he is someone who has the appropriate characteristics for becoming king.
The second verse is just a bigger example of this sort of “pattern” that goes on in royal families, as the King makes sure to point out that Malcolm is the oldest son and therefore the one that will be king. This once again establishes the great preoccupation of preserving the power of the family and inflicting this responsibility since the start of the offspring’s life.
Pietro, good initial comments on Malcolm. (There will be more to say on Donalbain next act.) How would you characterize him generally? Is he a nice guy? What do his comments about the (now dead) Thane of Cawdor suggest about him? (“Successor” is better than “suitor” for the throne.)
Malcom
“Let’s not consort with them. To show an unfelt sorrow is an office which the false man does easy. I’ll to England.” (II.iv.160-162) In this chapter a characteristic of Malcom not presented before is presented: his suspicious and fearful side. Throughout the play to this point Malcolm has only showed characteristics of bravery and goodness, but now his fear shows when he hears about the murder of his father. This quotes shows how wise he is and how he won’t be tricked by any man like his father. He immediately decides to go to England, his paranoia driven by fear, but one that might have saved his life from Macbeth. “This murderous shaft that’s shot hath not yet lighted, and our safest way is to avoid the aim. Therefore to horse, and let us not be dainty of leave-taking but shift away.” (II.iv.167-171). This quote shows Malcolm’s suspicion and fear once more by saying there is danger if they stay, a wise choice made by Duncan’s eldest son. “Nor our strong sorrow upon the foot of motion.” (II.iv.146) This last quote helps emphasize once more the wisdom of Malcolm to the point that he is able to maintain reason over grief and awe. This chapter shows Malcolm’s wisdom and a surprising fearful side. Many may say that his decision was reckless and that if he had stayed he would have been crowned prince, but what would reassure him that he wouldn’t be killed as his father and lose the throne definitively? Nothing, proving his decision to leave in a hurry to be wise.
Donalbain
“What should be spoken here, where our fate, hid in an auger hole, may rush and seize us? Let’s away. Our tears are not yet brewed.” (II.iv.143-145) This first quote shows Donalbain’s control as wisdom, much like his brother. He is also reasoning before grief strikes and tears are brewed, he knows the most important thing to do now is to run from death, their fate if they stay in Inverness. “To Ireland I. Our separated fortune shall keep us both the safer. Where we are, there’s daggers in men’s smiles. The near in blood, the nearer bloody.” (II.iv.163-166) This quote shows Donalbain’s wisdom once more as he recognizes two essential things: he and his brother must be separate so that the true heirs to the throne are guaranteed and he recognized that the closer they are in relation to Duncan the closer they are to being murdered as the old king was.
Pietro, a good analysis of these characters and key evidence. Nice comments on how Malcolm’s character has changed from act I to II. (Watch: “chapter” does not apply here; “scene” or “act” would be better. And do a careful proof read of your text before posting.)
I found the comments on Malcolm interesting, his fear of dying is now incredibly noticeable. I believe Malcolm is afriad of the betrayal of his close ones, he does not trust anyone anymore after what has happened to his father. It is interesting that we still do not know Malcolm well and are now seeing this suspicious side of his personality. I agree with the questioning done in the end of the tracing, what if he gets killed? I believe he would be killed if he stayed for sure, as he was Prince of Cumberland.
I had not understood how wise Donalbain is, I can see his wisdom now, how he wants them to be safe from any horror tht is happening and will continue to happen in Inverness and Scone. I find it interesting that they choose to separate, they choose to be safe rather than to have each other’s company
“The [son] of Duncan (From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth) lives in the English court and is received of the most pious Edward with such grace that the malevolence of fortune nothing takes from his high respect” (III.vi.28-33)
This quote is a direct mention of Malcolm and what has become of him. A Lord is talking about Malcolm’s fate in England, and according to him Malcolm is safe under the king of England and still maintains his position and grace even after his misfortunes and accusations.
“I wish your horses swift and sure of foot, and so I do commend you to their backs. Farewell.” (III.i.41-43)
Macbeth hides his true desires and plans with great dramatic irony in this scene. He is talking directly with Banquo and tells him to have a safe and swift ride, but deep down he would rather have Banquo fall off his horse and die so that he wouldn’t have the trouble killing him. Macbeth hides his desires by placing a friendly and loving appearance, and this gives the play great dramatic irony and keeps the viewers nervous or desperate about Banquo.
Pietro, fine comments on Malcolm here, but can you deepen your analysis a bit by adding what the other nobel men seem to think of him and what word choice has Shakespeare used to further characterize him in this quotation? How does this compare with what Macbeth says of Malcolm in act III to Banquo?
“I am yet unknown to woman, never was forsworn, scarcely have coveted what was mine own, at no time broke my faith, would not betray the devil to its fellow, and delight no less in truth than life.” (IV.iii.145-149)
This quote is extremely important for the understanding of Malcolm’s nature and achieving of manhood (another motif). Through this quote we learn that Malcolm is a virgin, meaning he is still uncorrupted, pure and innocent. This quote also shows the readers of how good he is because he has never wanted anything that wasn’t his (foil to Macbeth), never faltered in his belief, wouldn’t betray anyone in any instance, and is a honest man. This quote is the proof of Malcolm’s purity and good qualities that he might have inherited from his father. Not only that as this quote is a foil to Macbeth’s character, all the qualities mentioned here are not present in Macbeth and therefore shows us that Malcolm is fit to rule while Macbeth isn’t.
“But God above deal between thee and me, for even now I put myself to thy direction and unspeak mine own detraction, here abjure the taints and blames I laid upon myself for strangers to my nature” (IV.iii. 139-144)
This quote happens when Malcolm confirms that Macduff is loyal and not at Macbeth’s side. This shows Malcolms intelligence and how meticulous he is with his own safety. He lies to Macduff to test his true motives and then comes clean in front of him and God. This quote is also a foil made with Macbeth because all of Macbeth’s qualities are stated, and in the end Malcolm says that he has none of those, making him the opposite (good) of Macbeth (evil).
“Be this the whetstone of your sword. Let grief convert to anger. Blunt not the heart; enrage it.” (IV.iii.268-269)
This quote shows how Malcolm is not only kind and pure as he is also cunning in intelligence. After the murder of Macduff’s family is revealed, Malcolm makes sure that this will only make Macduff more incentives into killing Macbeth by telling him to use this as revenge and to turn his grief into anger and rage.
Well organised analysys, really detail in each of the quotes used and why they were used, help us to know the importance of this two characters in the play. I liked the idea of quote and then explaining it.
“Let every soldier hew him down a bough and bear’t before him. Thereby shall we shadow the numbers of our host and make discovery err in report of us.” (V.iv.6-9)
This quote can be seen as a continuation of the characterization of Malcolm from the last act. In the last act Malcolm began to be characterized as the pure and righteous man who had never been with a woman. Now a different aspect of Malcolm is portrayed, his leader side where he is now commanding the troops on what to do during a battle. This is a great change from before because now Malcolm is acting like a general and as a king, and this leadership progresses to become more and more evident as the end of the book comes, showing how he is growing to be the king that will fill in the throne in Macbeth’s place.
“We shall not spend a large expense of time before we reckon with your several loves and make us even with you. My thanes and kinsmen, henceforth be earls, the first that ever Scotland is such honor named.” (V.viii.72-77)
This quote can be seen as the ultimate characterization of Malcolm in the very end of the tragedy. He promises to pay back and compensate for the losses his noblemen have suffered, proving himself to be righteous and sensitive to what people may desire in exchange for their help. This also shows how wise Malcolm is because he ensures the loyalty and love of his noble subjects. Also this quote represents Malcolm’s authority now by him naming the men Earls, a very highly regarded English title. This shows not only the power invested in Malcolm but also shows how he is now connected to the English, possibly a metaphor to being connected to Heaven, purity and wisdom.
Macbeth Characters and Motifs 
“My liege, they are not yet come back (…) That very frankly he confessed his treasons, implored your Highness’ pardon, and set forth(…) (I.iv.37) Through these two quotes it is possible to assume that the relation between the prince Malcolm and his father the king Duncan is a more formal, less emotional one. This is deduced through Malcolm’s referral of his father as my liege and your Highness’, titles the other generals also use. “Our eldest, Malcolm, whom we name hereafter The Prince of Cumberland; which honor must not unaccompanied invest him only, but signs of nobleness, like stars, shall shine on all deservers.” (I.iv.4448). Through this quote it is possible to analyze two main points: one is that Malcolm is the eldest son of the king and probably not the only one due to him being referred as the eldest one, and the second main point is a sense that Malcolm is an honorable and noble man according to his father, who will bring honor and nobility to his reign.This tells us that Malcom has a noble personality and is seen by his father as a proper suitor to the throne.
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First of all, I think that the first verse is not only an issue of lack of emotion, but you should have also mentioned the way that people were raised back in those days. Malcolm’s only purpose is to assume the throne after Duncan is dead, and his father maybe realising what his sons purpose is has tried to raise him in order that he is someone who has the appropriate characteristics for becoming king.
The second verse is just a bigger example of this sort of “pattern” that goes on in royal families, as the King makes sure to point out that Malcolm is the oldest son and therefore the one that will be king. This once again establishes the great preoccupation of preserving the power of the family and inflicting this responsibility since the start of the offspring’s life.
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Pietro, good initial comments on Malcolm. (There will be more to say on Donalbain next act.) How would you characterize him generally? Is he a nice guy? What do his comments about the (now dead) Thane of Cawdor suggest about him? (“Successor” is better than “suitor” for the throne.)
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Malcom
“Let’s not consort with them. To show an unfelt sorrow is an office which the false man does easy. I’ll to England.” (II.iv.160-162) In this chapter a characteristic of Malcom not presented before is presented: his suspicious and fearful side. Throughout the play to this point Malcolm has only showed characteristics of bravery and goodness, but now his fear shows when he hears about the murder of his father. This quotes shows how wise he is and how he won’t be tricked by any man like his father. He immediately decides to go to England, his paranoia driven by fear, but one that might have saved his life from Macbeth. “This murderous shaft that’s shot hath not yet lighted, and our safest way is to avoid the aim. Therefore to horse, and let us not be dainty of leave-taking but shift away.” (II.iv.167-171). This quote shows Malcolm’s suspicion and fear once more by saying there is danger if they stay, a wise choice made by Duncan’s eldest son. “Nor our strong sorrow upon the foot of motion.” (II.iv.146) This last quote helps emphasize once more the wisdom of Malcolm to the point that he is able to maintain reason over grief and awe. This chapter shows Malcolm’s wisdom and a surprising fearful side. Many may say that his decision was reckless and that if he had stayed he would have been crowned prince, but what would reassure him that he wouldn’t be killed as his father and lose the throne definitively? Nothing, proving his decision to leave in a hurry to be wise.
Donalbain
“What should be spoken here, where our fate, hid in an auger hole, may rush and seize us? Let’s away. Our tears are not yet brewed.” (II.iv.143-145) This first quote shows Donalbain’s control as wisdom, much like his brother. He is also reasoning before grief strikes and tears are brewed, he knows the most important thing to do now is to run from death, their fate if they stay in Inverness. “To Ireland I. Our separated fortune shall keep us both the safer. Where we are, there’s daggers in men’s smiles. The near in blood, the nearer bloody.” (II.iv.163-166) This quote shows Donalbain’s wisdom once more as he recognizes two essential things: he and his brother must be separate so that the true heirs to the throne are guaranteed and he recognized that the closer they are in relation to Duncan the closer they are to being murdered as the old king was.
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Pietro, a good analysis of these characters and key evidence. Nice comments on how Malcolm’s character has changed from act I to II. (Watch: “chapter” does not apply here; “scene” or “act” would be better. And do a careful proof read of your text before posting.)
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I found the comments on Malcolm interesting, his fear of dying is now incredibly noticeable. I believe Malcolm is afriad of the betrayal of his close ones, he does not trust anyone anymore after what has happened to his father. It is interesting that we still do not know Malcolm well and are now seeing this suspicious side of his personality. I agree with the questioning done in the end of the tracing, what if he gets killed? I believe he would be killed if he stayed for sure, as he was Prince of Cumberland.
I had not understood how wise Donalbain is, I can see his wisdom now, how he wants them to be safe from any horror tht is happening and will continue to happen in Inverness and Scone. I find it interesting that they choose to separate, they choose to be safe rather than to have each other’s company
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“The [son] of Duncan (From whom this tyrant holds the due of birth) lives in the English court and is received of the most pious Edward with such grace that the malevolence of fortune nothing takes from his high respect” (III.vi.28-33)
This quote is a direct mention of Malcolm and what has become of him. A Lord is talking about Malcolm’s fate in England, and according to him Malcolm is safe under the king of England and still maintains his position and grace even after his misfortunes and accusations.
“I wish your horses swift and sure of foot, and so I do commend you to their backs. Farewell.” (III.i.41-43)
Macbeth hides his true desires and plans with great dramatic irony in this scene. He is talking directly with Banquo and tells him to have a safe and swift ride, but deep down he would rather have Banquo fall off his horse and die so that he wouldn’t have the trouble killing him. Macbeth hides his desires by placing a friendly and loving appearance, and this gives the play great dramatic irony and keeps the viewers nervous or desperate about Banquo.
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Pietro, fine comments on Malcolm here, but can you deepen your analysis a bit by adding what the other nobel men seem to think of him and what word choice has Shakespeare used to further characterize him in this quotation? How does this compare with what Macbeth says of Malcolm in act III to Banquo?
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“I am yet unknown to woman, never was forsworn, scarcely have coveted what was mine own, at no time broke my faith, would not betray the devil to its fellow, and delight no less in truth than life.” (IV.iii.145-149)
This quote is extremely important for the understanding of Malcolm’s nature and achieving of manhood (another motif). Through this quote we learn that Malcolm is a virgin, meaning he is still uncorrupted, pure and innocent. This quote also shows the readers of how good he is because he has never wanted anything that wasn’t his (foil to Macbeth), never faltered in his belief, wouldn’t betray anyone in any instance, and is a honest man. This quote is the proof of Malcolm’s purity and good qualities that he might have inherited from his father. Not only that as this quote is a foil to Macbeth’s character, all the qualities mentioned here are not present in Macbeth and therefore shows us that Malcolm is fit to rule while Macbeth isn’t.
“But God above deal between thee and me, for even now I put myself to thy direction and unspeak mine own detraction, here abjure the taints and blames I laid upon myself for strangers to my nature” (IV.iii. 139-144)
This quote happens when Malcolm confirms that Macduff is loyal and not at Macbeth’s side. This shows Malcolms intelligence and how meticulous he is with his own safety. He lies to Macduff to test his true motives and then comes clean in front of him and God. This quote is also a foil made with Macbeth because all of Macbeth’s qualities are stated, and in the end Malcolm says that he has none of those, making him the opposite (good) of Macbeth (evil).
“Be this the whetstone of your sword. Let grief convert to anger. Blunt not the heart; enrage it.” (IV.iii.268-269)
This quote shows how Malcolm is not only kind and pure as he is also cunning in intelligence. After the murder of Macduff’s family is revealed, Malcolm makes sure that this will only make Macduff more incentives into killing Macbeth by telling him to use this as revenge and to turn his grief into anger and rage.
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Pietro, very good analysis and use of evidence in both of your Act IV blogs. (Watch that you carefully proof read before posting.)
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Well organised analysys, really detail in each of the quotes used and why they were used, help us to know the importance of this two characters in the play. I liked the idea of quote and then explaining it.
LikeLike
“Let every soldier hew him down a bough and bear’t before him. Thereby shall we shadow the numbers of our host and make discovery err in report of us.” (V.iv.6-9)
This quote can be seen as a continuation of the characterization of Malcolm from the last act. In the last act Malcolm began to be characterized as the pure and righteous man who had never been with a woman. Now a different aspect of Malcolm is portrayed, his leader side where he is now commanding the troops on what to do during a battle. This is a great change from before because now Malcolm is acting like a general and as a king, and this leadership progresses to become more and more evident as the end of the book comes, showing how he is growing to be the king that will fill in the throne in Macbeth’s place.
“We shall not spend a large expense of time before we reckon with your several loves and make us even with you. My thanes and kinsmen, henceforth be earls, the first that ever Scotland is such honor named.” (V.viii.72-77)
This quote can be seen as the ultimate characterization of Malcolm in the very end of the tragedy. He promises to pay back and compensate for the losses his noblemen have suffered, proving himself to be righteous and sensitive to what people may desire in exchange for their help. This also shows how wise Malcolm is because he ensures the loyalty and love of his noble subjects. Also this quote represents Malcolm’s authority now by him naming the men Earls, a very highly regarded English title. This shows not only the power invested in Malcolm but also shows how he is now connected to the English, possibly a metaphor to being connected to Heaven, purity and wisdom.
LikeLike