Malcolm and Donalbain

Page 1

Malcolm and Donalbain learn from their father's mistakes

Malcolm is fair and honest, like his father

However, unlike Duncan, Malcolm and Donalbain are aware that they're in danger from those closest to them: "There's daggers in men's smiles, the near'r in blood, / The nearer bloody"

Have common sense to flee Scotland after Duncan is murdered

Malcolm learns that he should only trust people who have proved their loyalty

When Macduff visits him, Malcolm tests his loyalty by pretending to be a tyrant

He knows that even people who seem good can be evil - "all things foul would wear the brows of grace"

In the end, Malcolm and Macduff make a good partnership because Macduff's experience gives Malcolm the confidence to take action

Malcolm is...

Wise - "wisdom plucks me/From over-credulous haste"

Honest - "delight/No less in truth than life"

Page 2

Malcolm and Donalbain aren't impulsive

Malcolm and Donalbain don't react to their father's murder immediately

Malcolm says that their sorrow is too "strong" to act on it straight away

Shows that he's sensible and unwilling to act without waiting for the right time

They're annoyed that Macbeth is making grand speeches which should be made by Duncan's sons

Malcolm asks Donalbain, "Why do we hold our tongues"

Theme - Reality and Appearances

Malcolm is more suspicious of false appearances than Duncan was

He says "To show an unfelt sorrow is an office/Which the false man does easy"

He's wary of people who seem fake, like Macbeth

Page 3

Malcolm develops into a good leader

Malcolm becomes a confident leader

He earns the trust of the Scottish thanes, who say they will "give obedience where 'tis truly owed"

They will follow Malcolm because he's the rightful king

Malcolm eventually returns to Scotland with an army

He proves that he's clever by disguising the soldiers with branches, and leads his army to victory, which shows that he's a strong leader

He rewards everyone who fought with him - like Duncan, he generous to those who are loyal to him

Theme - Kingship

Malcolm has many qualities that made Duncan a good King, but he's less naive than his father

This suggests that he'll eventually make a better King