Konnie Baker

English 339

MWF 10:50-12

Malcolm’s Influence (Act 4.3)

Malcolm uses many psychological tactics to determine whether or not MacDuff is one of Macbeth’s spies.

Malcolm suspects Macbeth of the murders committed in Macbeth’s house. As such, Malcolm is fearful that MacDuff is a spy for Macbeth because of his random suggestion to rise against Macbeth. Though he is aware of his own fear[SM1] , he attempts to hide it from MacDuff by stating, “Be not offended./ I speak not as in absolute fear of you./ I think our country sinks beneath the yoke.” (4.3 ~ 47-49) He realizes that he must convince MacDuff that he believes MacDuff really does desire to overthrow Macbeth, in order to have enough time to determine whether or not MacDuff is a spy or sincere in his desires[SM2] .

Malcolm then changes his strategy in order to determine MacDuff’s loyalties. He realizes that if he does not agree with MacDuff to a certain extent, MacDuff may end the conversation, rendering him incapable of determining MacDuff’s standpoint on the current issues. Likewise, he understands that he cannot be too bold in stating his hatred toward Macbeth because MacDuff may be Macbeth’s spy. Thus, Malcolm replies to MacDuff by stating, “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…Better Macbeth/ Than such an one to reign.” (4.3 ~ 70-79) Malcolm knows that Edward, King of England, has already granted ten thousand troops for the invasion of Scotland. However, Malcolm waits to reveal this information until he is sure that MacDuff will not betray them[SM3] . As such, he agrees Macbeth is a tyrant, but portrays his own wickedness in order showcase himself as being a far worse tyrant. Thus providing[SM4] a reasonable excuse for his refusal to go to war against Macbeth and keeping his knowledge of the troops secret.

Malcolm’s refusal heightens MacDuff’s anxiousness and persistence. MacDuff’s determination leads Malcolm to believe that MacDuff is not a spy. However, he is still unsure and tests MacDuff one more time by giving him more reasons as to why he would not make a good king. Malcolm states, “Nay had I power, I should/ Pour the sweet milk of concord into hell,/ Uproar the universal peace, confound/ All unity on earth.” (4.3 ~ 113-116) MacDuff by this point is distraught with the thought that his beloved country seems to have fallen prey to a beast that no one is willing to take a stand against. Malcolm was the most likely subject to overthrow Macbeth, but his refusals have left MacDuff without any options to return to his country and his family. Malcolm uses his distress as proof that MacDuff sincerely wishes for someone to overthrow Macbeth[SM5] . Malcolm’s revelation is obvious when he reveals to MacDuff King Edwards plan to overthrow Macbeth. Malcolm reveals, “Old Siward with ten thousand warlike men,/ Already at a point, was setting forth.” (4.3 ~ 152-153) Thus through Malcolm’s tactics, he was able to determine that MacDuff was not a spy and could perhaps be persuaded to aid them in the fight against Macbeth.

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[SM1]“suspicious” would make this more clear—it’s the meaning of fear in the quote

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[SM2] good analysis of subtext

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[SM3]excellent—this illuminates a point I found obscure

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[SM4]this provides

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[SM5]but this also reveals that Macduff is not willing to support someone who is so evil that his rule would be as bad as Macbeth’s. This tests Macduff’s commitment to righteousness and his unwillingness to act merely out of revenge. Had the news of his wifes death come before this, he might not have refused to serve a Malcolm who appeared so evil. Konnie—you done a very fine job explaining a difficult passage but one which is quite characteristic of Shakespeare in its complexity of subterfuge and testing. The last section of Measure for Measure is the most elaborate example, but we see it also in The Winter’s Tale. A