Macbeth

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• Son of Duncan
• Tests the loyalty of Macduff

Malcolm is Duncan’s eldest son. He is declared as Duncan’s heir at the end of the opening battle, an event that Macbeth sees as an obstacle to his ambitions. Upon Duncan’s death, Malcolm and Donalbain flee from Scotland, fearing that they will suffer a fate similar to Duncan. This is perceived as guilt, and they are blamed for Duncan’s murder. He is later seen hiding in England with Macduff, where he tests Macduff’s loyalty to Scotland and to him by lying about himself. When Macduff proves to be loyal to Scotland, he reveals his true, kingly nature and tells of his plan to regain Scotland from Macbeth. He suggests that his soldiers disguise themselves as trees from Birnan Wood, and thus brings about a sign of Macbeth’s downfall. It is implied, at the end of the play that he will be crowned king.

O wall, O sweet, O lovely wall

1. Macduff

   

   Hail, King! For so thou art. Behold where stands
   The usurper’s cursed head… Hail, King of Scotland! (5. 9. 20-1, 25)

2. Macbeth

   

   I will not yield
   To kiss the ground before young Malcolm’s feet. (5.6. 66-7)

3. Macduff

   

   Boundless intemperance
   In nature is a tyranny. It hath been
   The untimely emptying of the happy throne,
   And fall of many kings. But fear not yet
   To take upon you what is yours. (4.3. 66-70)

4. Macduff

   

   Your royal father’s murther’d. (2.3.98)

5. Macbeth

   

   The spring, the head, the fountain of your blood
   Is stopped, the very source of it is stopped. (2.3. 95-6)

6. Macbeth

   

   The Prince of Cumberland! That is a step
   On which I must fall down, or else o’erleap,
   For in my way it lies. (1.4. 49-51)

7. Duncan

   

   We will establish our estate upon
   Our eldest, Malcolm; whom we name hereafter
   The Prince of Cumberland. (1.4.37-9)

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