Macbeth; Malcolm: Hero or Malicious Being?

Malcolm: The Hero or Malicious Being?

A character in any work of literature can be interpreted in many different ways depending on the reader and his or her relations to the character. In Macbeth, by contrasting the view of Malcolm as a hero and the view of Malcolm as a flawed human in Macbeth, Shakespeare reveals that there are many different interpretations one can form on a character and that these interpretations reveal something about the reader.

An individual can state that Malcolm is viewed as a “good” person if they create a comparison against Macbeth, who must be characterized as an evil being by the reader. By interoperating Malcolm as a hero rather than a flawed human, an individual then creates its own analysis about him or herself. If the “malicious” Macbeth follows and bases his actions on what the witches have to say about his own fate, then Malcolm following “By the grace of Grace”(V.viii.82) to restore the country of Scotland creates a holy and good natured sense. Malcolm not only says that Scotland will be restored with the help of what God will bring to them, but he also tells his people that they will “perform in measure, time, and place.”(V.viii.82) This quote can also be a comparison to Macbeth and his evil mannerisms. Macbeth throughout the later Acts in the play was impulsive and quick to decide things only based on what the witches’ literal prediction on his fate. Readers can acknowledge the difference in which Malcolm will make sure Scotland will be restored in the right time and place for his people, and not just himself.

In Malcolm’s final speech, restoration becomes his main focus and readers of the play could see this as a noble and heroic action even if Malcolm explains to the people of Scotland that time will be lengthy in the process of things being restored for their country. Malcolm’s speech also exclaims things will be “newly planted with the time.” (V.viii.82). The metaphor he uses allows the reader to interpret...