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William Shakespeare wrote Macbeth in 1603. This play is a tragedy that poses Macbeth, a power hungry Scottish General, as the main character. Macbeth kills King Duncan and because Duncan's sons flee Macbeth becomes King of Scotland. Malcolm, Duncan's oldest son and rightful heir to the throne, is then faced with the question of his own ability to rule if he should return to troubled Scotland and defeat Macbeth. Malcolm and Macbeth share the same leadership qualities when it comes to being loyal and moral but they differ when it comes to being influenced.
Macbeth was a loyal general. He lead his country in defeating Norway s army. This brought the Kings favor thus Macbeth was made Thane of Candor (I, 2, 56 - 66). King Duncan tells Macbeth more is thy due than more than all can pay. in regard to Macbeth s service to his country (I, 4, 24). Malcolm is also loyal to his country and family.
King Duncan named Malcolm heir to the throne so he has no real need to be unload (I, 4, 45). He also shows his loyalty by making arrangements for 10, 000 English troops to help defeat King Macbeth and his army (IV, 3, 220). Macbeth and Malcolm both share the loyalty that it takes to be a good leader. Along with loyalty they share morality.
Malcolm shows that he is moral by arranging the English troops to help his country men. He also tells Macduff that he is pure, sincere, honest, and a servant to his country (IV, 3, 140 - 149). Macbeth is almost too moral in Lady Macbeth s opinion. She says Yet I do fear thy nature. It is too full o the milk of human kindness To catch the nearest way. (I, 5, 16 - 17) Macbeth realizes that if he kills Duncan he will face eternal damnation. He also knows that if he kills Duncan he has killed his cousin and the king that he is subject to resulting in treason (I, 7, 1 - 29).
It seems that Macbeth would have sufficient leadership qualities, still, his kingdom suffers under his rule. Malcolm bears similar qualities and would become king if Macbeth was defeated. Yet, the Scottish Nobles put the fate of Scotland in Malcolm s hands. I believe the difference between the two lies in their abilities to be influenced. Macbeth s murderous motives are ignited by the witches prophecies (I, 3) Once they fore tell his future he starts to make the prophecies happen. his train of thought completely changes from being a loyal subject to becoming king and what it would take to get there.
Lady Macbeth also influences him to kill Duncan by saying When you durst do it, then you were a man; and to be more than what you were, you would be so much more the man. (I, 7, 56 - 58). By saying this she puts his manhood at stake leaving the proud soldier no choice but to kill. However, Malcolm is on the other end of the spectrum when it comes being influenced. When Macduff comes to him and begs him to come back and save their country Malcolm lies to Macduff to protect himself from the Kings tricks (IV, 3, 132 - 143). He is uninfluenced by the terrible stories of the state of Scotland. Macduff tries to tell him how bad the country needs him but he refuses to believe anything he doesn t know to be the solid truth (IV, 3, 10 - 18).
The major difference between Macbeth and Malcolm is made apparent in they way they handle outward influence. Malcolm and Macbeth share their loyalty and morality but the fact that Macbeth is easy to influence leads him to his demise. Malcolm is always looking out for his well being and that of his country despite what others think. Some may have thought that he was a coward for fleeing to England after his fathers death but he knew it was best. When it all boils down the play Macbeth is about who has power and what it takes to get that power.
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Research essay sample on Heir To The Throne Kills Duncan
