Malcolm's Self-Perception in Macbeth: 35 Direct Quotes

Understanding Malcolm's perspective on himself is crucial for grasping the themes of kingship and virtue in Shakespeare's Macbeth. During his pivotal test of Macduff, Malcolm dramatically paints a portrait of moral corruption, not because it is true, but to gauge the true loyalty and patriotism of the Thane of Fife. These direct quotes reveal the complex self-awareness and calculated wisdom of the rightful heir to the Scottish throne.

Quotes on Claimed Moral Vices (The Test)

"Not in the legions Of horrid hell can come a devil more damn'd In evils to top Macbeth."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Sets the immediate context, claiming that his potential evil is worse than Macbeth's.

"If such a one be fit to govern, speak: I am as I have spoken."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Challenges Macduff to judge his claimed unfitness for the throne based on the vices he described.

"Black scruples, Jealously, the hot temper, Voluptuousness, and avarice..."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: A general list of the sins and faults he falsely attributes to himself during the test.

"I should forge The uncurbed lust of my desires, that I Should sate my appetite in the destruction of my country."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Exaggerates his supposed lust, suggesting it would ruin Scotland if he were King.

"There's no bottom, none, In my voluptuousness."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Claims his carnal greed is boundless, a trait unfit for a monarch.

"Were I King, I should cut off the nobles for their lands."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Falsely asserts extreme avarice, indicating he would steal from his own subjects.

"A stanchless avarice that, were I king, I should find the precious jewels of the earth, And steal them all."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Another dramatic exaggeration of his greed, designed to shock Macduff.

"I grant him bloody, Luxurious, avaricious, false, deceitful, Sudden, malicious, smacking of every sin That has a name: but there's no bottom, none, In my voluptuousness."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Claims to possess all of Macbeth's flaws, but magnified, to stress his perceived unworthiness.

"The King-becoming graces, As justice, verity, temperance, stability, Bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude, I have no relish of them."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Lists the essential virtues of a good king and claims to lack them entirely.

"Better thou Hadst been unborn. Feel it as a man."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: A brief moment of despair about his own perceived inability to save Scotland.

"I am so fearful, that I dare not trust Myself, nor any other."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Suggests he is ruled by paralyzing fear, a weakness in a military leader.

"The poor state, Esteem him as a lamb, being compared With my confineless harms."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Argues that Macbeth would seem innocent compared to the destruction Malcolm would cause.

"With my own confusions, I would uphold The tyranny of Macbeth."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Suggests that his own chaotic nature would inadvertently support the current tyrant.

"Ay, good counsel: But who can help me?"

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: A rhetorical question implying his corruption is irreparable and beyond salvation.

"But for all this, When I shall tread upon the tyrant's head, Or wear it on my sword, yet my poor country Shall have more vices than it had before."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: His initial pessimism that even his victory would bring moral decay rather than restoration.

Assertions of True Virtue and Worthiness

"My first false speaking Was this upon myself. What I am truly, Is thine and my poor country's to command."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: The pivot point where he reveals his deception, asserting his availability for service.

"I myself possess no other tongue but what speaks truth."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: A crucial meta-comment revealing that his usual disposition is honesty, contrasting his preceding lies.

"A most malicious title; but, new'r I feel it, I am not treacherous."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Asserting his genuine moral character is free from the treachery Macbeth embodied.

"I am yet Unknown to woman, never was forsworn, Scarcely have coveted what was mine own, At no time broke my faith."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: A list of true virtues, directly refuting the lust and avarice he just claimed.

"And delight No less in truth than life."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Confirms his commitment to honesty, showing truth is paramount to him.

"The time you may so thankfully adjust, that all your joys turn to the good of my intent."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Expresses his hope that his actions will lead to the restoration of shared happiness.

"Why are you silent?"

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Prompting Macduff's reaction to ensure his loyalty is genuine.

"Be comforted. Let's make us medicines of our great revenge, To cure this deadly grief."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Shows leadership by immediately directing grief toward purposeful action.

"Macbeth is ripe for shaking, and the powers above Put on their instruments."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Reflects a belief in divine justice and his role as God's instrument.

"This is the truth of my whole being."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: A definitive statement of authenticity after the successful completion of the test.

"I have spoken so much against myself to try your honour."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Explicitly states the calculated political purpose behind his self-defamation.

"Why in that rawness left you wife and child?"

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Reveals the caution and mistrust governing his actions due to the dangerous times.

"And here, from gracious England, have I offer Of goodly thousands."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Demonstrates his active role in securing foreign aid and building military strength.

"Receive what cheer you may: The night is long that never finds the day."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: An expression of hope and perseverance, underscoring his resilience.

"Let's make our march swiftly, and put the event To the great arbitrement of bloody strokes."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Displays decisive military readiness and commitment to fighting Macbeth.

Reflection on Kingship and Destiny

"My life itself is poor, as is my country, And both I yield to the direction of a higher power."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Reflects his sense of duty and vulnerability, submitting his destiny to Providence.

"Such sanctity hath heaven given his hand, They presently amend."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Acknowledges the divine nature of true kingship, referencing the healing power of the English King.

"The powers above With him at hand, enforce us to make war."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Acknowledging that the forces backing him are righteous and heaven-sent.

"The chance of goodness Be like our warranted quarrel!"

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Hope that their fight is justified and destined for success.

"We shall not spend a large expense of time Before we reckon with your several loves, And make us even with you."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: A promise of future rewards and recognition for his loyal supporters upon victory.

"This tune goes manly. Come, go we to the King."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Shows approval for Macduff's patriotic rage and readiness to move forward with the plan.

"What's more to do, Which would be planted newly with the time, As calling home our exiled friends abroad That fled the snares of watchful tyranny."

Author: Malcolm

Benefit: Outlines his immediate plans for reconstruction and justice upon taking the throne.

Malcolm's profound use of self-deprecation as a political tool showcases his intelligence and fitness to rule. These quotes are not just dramatic dialogue; they are essential insights into how a truly virtuous leader maneuvers through deceit, ultimately proving that his character is the antithesis of the tyrant he seeks to overthrow.