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The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 12.2880  Saturday, 22 December 2001

From:           Ruth Ross <evieross@home.com>
Date:           Thursday, 20 Dec 2001 16:07:30 -0500
Subject: 12.2871 Re: Scotland
Comment:        RE: SHK 12.2871 Re: Scotland

With regard to Malcolm’s “playing” with Macduff: When Duncan designates
him successor, Malcolm is as yet an untried, wet-behind-the-ears
princeling. Indeed, he’s had to have his rear end saved by the bloody
sergeant who brings news of Macbeth’s two victories. Then, he high-tails
it out of Scotland when his papa’s murdered, heeding his younger
brother’s warning “the near in blood, the nearer bloody” taking off for
England where he lives for quite a while (really about 10 years or so)
while Macbeth reigns. When Macduff shows up on his doorstep, Malcolm is
suspicious: why did this guy leave his family to live under a tyrant if
he’s not in cahoots with the guy? What’s his m.o. for coming to the
English court. When he tests Macduff, Malcolm shows he has the goods to
be a king; he’s learned his lessons well. It’s too bad this scene is cut
so often, for it’s necessary for the audience to buy into Macduff;s (and
Ross’s) support of Malcolm and his accession to the throne with relative
ease even though he’s been absent from the country for so long.  He’s a
clever chap, this Malcolm...crafty, too.

Ruth Ross

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