and macduff innocent lamb angry power malcolm macbeth

Text	Malcolm: traits of a noble king Malcolm’s wisdom and shrewd perception are demonstrated when he checks that Macduff isn’t a spy sent by Macbeth. He suspects Macduff of “*offer[ing] up a weak, poor, innocent lamb / T’appease an angry god,” (4.3). The metaphor of ritual sacrifice conveys Macbeth’s bloodthirst, unruly power, and warped sense of his own importance. ➔ The juxtaposition between Malcolm as an “innocent lamb” and Macbeth as an “angry god” reveals the advantage Macbeth has as king, leading to a severe power imbalance. ➔ It also makes the moral differences between them clear, with Malcolm condemning Macbeth for being a violent, vengeful ruler. He notes, “A good and virtuous nature may recoil / In an imperial charge,*” proving he is aware of power’s ability to corrupt even the most moral of men. Shakespeare suggests it is important to be mindful and suspicious of those in power, ensuring they are not taking advantage of their position to punish those below them.

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Malcolm: traits of a noble king

Malcolm’s wisdom and shrewd perception are demonstrated when he checks that Macduff isn’t a spy sent by Macbeth. He suspects Macduff of “offer[ing] up a weak, poor, innocent lamb / T’appease an angry god,” (4.3). The metaphor of ritual sacrifice conveys Macbeth’s bloodthirst, unruly power, and warped sense of his own importance.

➔ The juxtaposition between Malcolm as an “innocent lamb” and Macbeth as an “angry god” reveals the advantage Macbeth has as king, leading to a severe power imbalance.
➔ It also makes the moral differences between them clear, with Malcolm condemning Macbeth for being a violent, vengeful ruler.

He notes, “A good and virtuous nature may recoil / In an imperial charge,” proving he is aware of power’s ability to corrupt even the most moral of men. Shakespeare suggests it is important to be mindful and suspicious of those in power, ensuring they are not taking advantage of their position to punish those below them.

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​And Macduff Innocent Lamb Angry Power Malcolm Macbeth