Following the murder of the King, it would seem fit for the future ruler to deal with the affairs left behind and take his claim to power. Upon hearing of their fathers murder Duncan's sons resolve to flee the court immediately. Malcolm declares that he will go to England, and Donalbain to Ireland. The sons do not even spare the time to grieve the loss of their dear father, and their "tears (had) not yet brewed” before parting ways (2.3.145). Malcolm’s ability and willingness to leave his power and responsibility suggests that he does not posses the same ambition of his father or Macbeth. From the point where Duncan named his son the future King he was presented as a cowardly candidates who did not want the responsibility handed to him. Malcolm’s quick departure also suggests a lack of foresight. Malcolm did not take into consideration that leaving the scene of a murder without explaining his "leave-taking" could easily be seen as suspicious and malicious (2.3.170).
As was said, Malcolm and Donalbain appear to have a lack of willingness to face challenge and lead. This conclusion, however, is merely representative of the course of action that Donalbain and Malcolm take. Their reason for doing this is much more involved. Donalbain is probably the #1 suspect for Duncan's murder considering that he could kill Duncan and then his brother Malcolm—he would be next in line. He realizes this, "To Ireland I. Our separated fortune shall keep us both the safer," (II.iii.163-4). Leaving the scene of crime and hiding them could make them seem to be malevolent, but keeps them safer for the moment. Donalbain and Malcolm decision to leave to Ireland and England, respectively, is more logical, which, contradictory to the previous argument, is in fact an example of foresight. They see that they will prosper away from Scotland more so that fighting their way through the ensuing turmoil.
Although I agree with Grace's point about Malcolm not taking a leadership position in a moment when a leader was needed, I also agree with Aidan's argument that Malcolm is in fact much more insightful and pre-cautious than Duncan. After receiving the news of his father's murder, Malcolm is the only one who does not make trivial comments, but rather asks the important question, "by whom?"(II.iii.118). By fleeing with his brother, he is being insightful by concluding that whoever killed the king is likely to kill the heir, and if Malcolm left, then Donalbain would be the next target, reasoning for their departure. Unlike Duncan, who easily places trust into men, Malcolm is much more conservative of his trust. After the death of Cawdor, Duncan says, "There's no art to find a mind's construction in the face. He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust"(I.iv.15-16). Duncan is admitting that it is impossible for him to tell if a man is lying, which led him to being betrayed by his own thane. Immediately, when Macbeth enters, Duncan does not learn his lesson, and says to Macbeth, "O worthiest cousin, the sin of my ingratitude even now was heavy on me"(I.iv.17-19). Duncan continues to place enormous amounts of trust where it doesn't not belong. Contrastingly, Malcolm is skeptical, and says, "Let's not consort with [the people in the castle]. To show an unfelt sorrow is an office which the false man does say"(II.iii.160-162). Malcolm is exemplifying caution, an idea that Duncan did not at all exhibit. He knows that it is easy for a person to pretend to mourn for Duncan, and that people cannot be trusted. Malcolm is strategically fleeing Scotland to save himself and his brother from the fate that is likely to fall upon them; death. Of course, Malcolm consults Donalbain in his proposal to leave and the decision is made together, logically rather than on impulse or emotion, as Duncan made some of his executive decisions. In the end, Malcolm's reaction to his father's death portrays him as a more decisive, careful, and strategic character than Duncan.
Although I can see how Malcolm could be considered as lacking ambitions since Malcolm never mkaes any attempts to keep his father’s throne, I believe that Malcolm’s departure after the murder scene was more of a rational judgment call based on his analysis of the situation at the time, rather than a “cowardly” action (Grace). Immediate departure from the murder scene seems to be the only option that offers the possibility for Malcolm and Donalbein to survive. Malcolm is thinking ahead about how to “keep [himself and his brother] both the safer” (II.iv.164). Malcolm believes that since his father’s killer who shot a “murderous shaft” has not yet been caught, the best course of action is to “avoid the aim” (II.iv.167-168). At the moment, survival most likely outweighs the possible suspicion Malcolm and his brother would be under, so his departure is not a “lack of foresight”, rather it is a carefully weighted decision (Grace).
Although Malcolm does not “spare the time to grieve”, to me, it shows that Malcolm has the ability of logical, calm, and tactical thinking in the face of emotional distress (Grace). His response, of “o, by whom” to the news of his father’s murder in such a detached of emotion way demonstrates his ability to focus on the most important question that no one else asks – who is to blame (II.iii.118). It is not that Malcolm doesn’t want to “grieve”, but Malcolm is more discerning and suspicious of those around him as compared to his father, Duncan. Malcolm actively questions the people around him. He chooses to leave, and to not “consort with [Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Banquo, etc.]” as to express “unfelt sorrow” is done “easily” by a “false man” (II.iii.160-162). It shows that Malcolm is aware of possible betrayal, and he is not easily taken in by others. On the contrary, Duncan builds an “absolute trust” with the Thane of Cawdor, who betrays Duncan and then holds Macbeth, who eventually kills Duncan, “close to his heart” (II.iv.16, 36). Duncan lacks a discerning judgment of character; his over-trusting nature and inability to “find the mind’s construction” (tell when someone is lying) eventually leads to his tragic murder by one he trusted.
Malcolm's reaction to his father's murder reveals how Duncan's love for his son was not reciprocated in the same way, and he does not share the same ambition to be King like Macbeth. Duncan declares his son to be king because he cares for him, and believes he will be a great ruler. When Malcolm hears of his father's death, his reaction is to ask "by whom?" (2.3.118). He does not seem sad, and is only curious as to what happened. He goes on to talk about escaping to England, and his brother, Donalbain, to Ireland. Malcolm expresses how he does not feel sorrowful for his father by saying "let's not consort with them. To show an unfelt sorrow is an office which the false man does easy" (2.3.160-161). Duncan was a loving father, and both his sons do not reciprocate the feeling as they plan their ways to escape without mourning the loss of their father. Malcolm also does not have any interest in taking the throne although he was named the heir. Donalbain states to Malcolm how "our separated fortune shall keep us both the safer" (2.3.163-164). During Malcolm's conversation with Donalbain, he does not mention taking control at all. He is content with his money leading him to live a fulfilling life, and does not express an interest in being King. On the other hand, Macbeth's ambition lead him to sacrifice his morals for a chance at being King. Malcolm and Macbeth differ immensely in that they do not share the same desire for power. Malcolm's reaction to his father's murder shows how he did not care much for his father, and has no interest in taking control and being King.
Jasmine clearly states the unsettling reaction that Malcolm has towards the death of his father. It is surprising to read, as she mentions, Malcolm's "O, by whom?" (2.3.118), which seems emotionless. Something that Jasmine could take in to account is the fact that Malcolm is the first person to acknowledge the question that everyone else in the room should be asking; who killed Duncan? Noting that Jasmine points out Duncan's unreciprocated love for Malcolm, the reader can also assume that Malcolm is more clever than Duncan was. When Malcolm states that he does not trust any of the people in the room because "to show an unfelt sorrow is an office which the false man does easy" (2.3.160). He seems to believe that it is to easy for a man to mask his face with sadness when he is in fact happy. This causes Malcolm and his brother to wish to flee the area and strategically split up. Malcolm directly contradicts his fathers oblivious belief that it is impossible to tell when someone is lying.
While I definitely understand the argument in the response, I personally had a different interpretation of Malcolm’s reaction. I do agree that Malcolm’s question “O, by whom?” may seem to suggest that he glosses over his father’s death in a callous way, but I think the fact that he asks the question is actually in its own right an indication of his care for his deceased father (II,iii,18). While all the other characters react with more obvious shock, by immediately inquiring about who was the actual murderer, Malcolm is the only character who seems to show an immediate desire for justice regarding his father. He expresses his emotions not through sadness, but through a concern for justice. While his reaction may not be as telling as those of the others, I think the fact that he immediately begins to pose such an important question demonstrates that what happened is important to him. I also had a different perspective on the second part of the argument about his sons not reciprocating Duncan’s love. While it is true that they flee, and seem to have no remorse, I believe that the special circumstances of their challenging situation/father’s death are what cause Malcolm (and Donalbain) to leave. Malcolm instructs his brother to “not consort with them [characters present],” because “show[ing] and unfelt sorrow is an office which the false man does easy," (II,iii,160-161). He adds, “I’ll to England,” and Donalbain responds by saying “To Ireland I,” adding that "there's daggers in men's smiles." (II,iii, 162-165). By saying this, Malcolm and Donalbain prove that they are aware of the fact that one of the other characters could be lying about their innocence, and that he or she could attempt to kill them as well. So, while I do think Duncan and his sons are very different in the amount of trust they put in others, I don’t necessarily think that they did not love their father or that they did not want to succeed his throne. Ultimately, they just did not have the opportunity to stay in Scotland, mourn their father’s death and take on the position of King. In the end, they make the decision to flee not out of apathy but out of the necessity to survive.
Though Jasmine's argument definitely has a good point about Malcolm's lack of love towards his father (and it was my first conclusion when I read it), I think that Malcolm's reaction actually shows his good leadership qualities. Instead of wallowing in his emotions, like Macduff, who said "O horror, horror, horror!" (II.iii.73), Malcolm is the only person who asks the correct question: who was his father's murderer? This proves that he is a strategic thinker who, instead of reacting to his emotions, reacts logically and rationally to events. Also, Malcolm shows that he does not entirely trust the people in the castle when he leaves and says, "our separated fortune shall keep us both the safer" (2.3.163), because he knows that whoever murdered his father will be coming for him, the heir, next. This shows that he is a better leader than his father, who showed his weakness of putting too much trust in people when he said that the Thane of Cawdor "was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust" (I.iiii.15). This quote shows that his father put too much trust in the Thane – just like he put too much trust in Macbeth, which led to his demise.
Jasmine states that Malcolm doesn’t show any remorse for his father Duncan’s murder although she could have taken into account the natural prose of the response, which would have led her to see the emotion behind it. With Malcolm’s response to the dramatic telling of his father’s assassination being slightly less melodramatic as one would hope, it makes one suspect that there is no grievance behind his response of “O, by whom?” (2.3.118). But with Malcolm saying “O” followed by a comma means that “O” and “by whom” are separate thoughts, “O” being the emotion of realization and “by whom” being his rational thought demanding justification and fear of the situation (2.3.118). While Jasmine is right by saying that the two brothers, Malcolm and Donalbain, wanted to escape, she failed to mention that by saying that “an unfelt sorrow is an office which the false man does easy" Malcolm is showing that he acts from rational thought rather than emotion as Duncan did not (2.3.160). In fleeing so quickly from Macbeth’s castle to “keep [them] both the safer,” they are showing rational thought by considering that they are the heirs and the chance that their father’s killer might come after them as well.
Although the interpretation given is one perception of Act II scene III, Donalbain and Malcolm do express emotion in response to their fathers death. When Malcolm says “O, by whom?” the comma makes it seem that he pauses after the “O” in remorse (II:iii:118). After he collects his emotions Malcolm thinks rationally and wants to know killed his dear father. When Donalbain says “Our tears are not yet brewed” he is saying that we should leave before we become too much in remorse (II:iii:145). Malcolm as a similar reaction by saying “Nor our strong sorrow on the foot of motion” (II:iii:146). Both of their reactions are very much unlike that of Macbeth who was in remorse immediately after he killed Duncan. He is stunned and stuck in his tracks where he can only think of the terrible act he had done. Even the next morning he speaks very strangely and awkward, still overwhelmed by his emotions. Malcolm as a brief emotional reaction but then is capable of overcoming his emotions to make the rational decision to move far away in order to protect he and his brother from the suspicion of murder.
In Act 2 Scene 3 Malcolm shows himself to be more logical than either Duncan or Macbeth by using reason, rather than emotion, to determine his actions and by seeking counsel before speaking. After learning of Duncan’s death, Malcolm tells Donalbain that “our strong sorrow” is not ready for “the foot of motion” meaning that they are not ready to act on their sadness about their father’s death because they do not know who killed him (2.3.146). Malcolm’s logical analysis of the situation contrasts sharply with Duncan’s action when he sends the Thane of Ross to declare simultaneously the Thane of Cawdor’s “present death” and to “greet Macbeth” as the new Thane of Cawdor (1.3.74 -76). Duncan’s hasty decision to name Macbeth the Thane of Cawdor is motivated primarily by his desire to have strong allies which comes from the anger, fear and pain he feels about the previous Thane of Cawdor’s betrayal. Similarly, when Macbeth learns that the Wëird Sisters’ prophecy is accurate, his ambition pushes him to “yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix [his] hair” (1.3.137-138). Macbeth’s desire to be king makes him immediately consider murdering Duncan rather than waiting for the prophecy to occur naturally. In contrast, Malcolm also seeks counsel before speaking rashly after his father’s death. He knows he is upset and may not be thinking clearly, so he asks Donalbain “Why do we hold our tongues, that most may claim this argument for ours?” (2.3.140). Malcolm seeks a second opinion when he knows his judgment may be compromised by emotion, which neither Duncan nor Macbeth do when they are upset in the scenes referenced above. Instead, both Duncan and Macbeth continue to use emotion to determine their actions, which reveals Malcolm to be more logical than either of them.
Malcolm's quick decision to flee the scene of the murder and leave power and authority behind him shows that he lacks the passion to seize power that Macbeth and Duncan both have. Instead of taking control of the situation as the new king, Malcolm pulls aside his brother and decides to flee to England to save himself. Their "tears [had] not yet brewed" and they don't take the time to mourn the death of their father. Bailing on your dead father can be seen as a very cowardly action. Earlier in the play, Shakespeare already established that Malcolm was weak and cowardly when Duncan appointed him as heir. This is not a good idea because leaving the scene of the crime and "shift[ing] away" in a haste could look very suspicious because nobody yet knows who killed the king (2.3.171). Another way to see this situation is that Malcolm was smart in choosing to leave. Unlike his father, Malcolm sought his brother's advice before deciding to leave. The fact that Malcolm seeks advice shows he is more conservative and this could stop him in the future from making potentially hazardous decisions. Malcolm states "nor our strong sorrow upon the foot of motion" meaning that Malcolm holds off on his decision to punish anyone. This is very different compared to Duncan's impulsive decisions where he made Macbeth the Thane of Cawdor just because he like the way he fought. After this scene, it is clear that their was really no loving or caring relationship between Duncan and Malcolm. Malcolm did not take after his father's interest in power.
Like Adam said, Malcolm's reaction and conversation with Donalbain could suggest that it was smart for him to leave and that he differed in that he was not as power hungry as neither Duncan nor Macbeth. Although I agree with the first point fully, that it was smart for him to leave, I do not agree that the main difference between Macbeth/Duncan and him was that he lacked the want for power and to be king. Although I believe that could been of been a small difference, I believe the main difference is that he is a more suspicious and tactical person than either Duncan or Macbeth. Like said before, Duncan appointed Macbeth as Thane without really getting to know and understand him which lead to his death. This blind faith is something Macbeth also has in seen in the trust he puts in the people around. Malcolm's more suspicious attitude is especially seen in him saying,"Let's not consort with them. To show an unfelt sorrow is an office which the false man does easy"(II.iii.160). This quote exemplifies the suspicion he feels for the people around him and is opposite of his father who based his decision to make Macbeth thane solely on his physical actions. This more conservative attitude is also seen in the response to his father's death, "O' by whom?"(II.iii.118). Macbeth's sole purpose is to find out the basics of who, instead of making a scene out of it which could possibly come back to be used against him.
Although Malcolm and Donalbain did flee the scene after their fathers death, with “tears not yet brewed" (II.iii 145), the motives behind their escape, especially behind Malcolm’s escape, are not ones of greed or power hunger, or a lack of ambition, but instead one of intelligence and foresight. Malcolm’s first reaction upon hearing of his father’s murder is to inquire “O by whom?” (II.iii. 118). While the connation of this line could be interpreted as one of indifference towards his father’s murder, it is more likely an analytical, and investigative reaction. Malcolm is the only man to ask who killed his father, and it is clear that is his first priority, to solve his father’s murder. That rational, investigative reaction, in times of turmoil, makes for a strong, levelheaded leader. While Malcolm does not show the same ambition to be king as Macbeth and Duncan, his reason for leaving is a smart one, foreshadowing the future. Malcolm says, “to show an unfelt sorrow is an office, which the false man does easy" (II.iii. 161-162). Contrary to his father, Duncan, who bestowed all his trust and faith in the Thane of Cawdor, who ultimately disappointed him, Malcolm is not trusting, and instead is questioning Macduff, Lennox, Banquo, and Macbeth’s reactions to Duncan’s murder, suspecting they could have had a played a role in the murder of his father. He leaves because he does not trust these men, and knows it is easy to fake sorrow, and remorse and to hide guilt. He is questioning, and not overly trusting, a trait necessary for a good leader. His wording in this scene clearly shows he is leaving to protect himself, and his brother “Our separated fortune shall keep us both the safer”, because he does not trust his father’s supposed “friends,” saying, “Let’s not consort with them.” (II.iii. 163-164, 160). He is not fleeing out of fear; he is fleeing in an effort to preserve himself, and to investigate his father’s murder, in his own time.
Malcolm lacks the ambition to seize what was officially declared his, the throne, which shows that he differs immensely from Macbeth, who possesses "vaulting ambition." (1.7.27). However, it would be remiss to not mention that there is a slight similarity between the two. Macbeth has the ambition to ascend the throne, but initially lacks the "illness should attend it," or amorality to realize his desires, which he later acquires thanks to Lady Macbeth (1.5.18-20). Malcolm, if he does indeed possess a level of morality, is able to defect from his values for what will benefit him, as shown when he states, "let's not consort with them." (2.3.160). His willingness to separate himself from his father because "the near in blood, the nearer the bloody," which states that the nearer the blood spill, the closer the perpetrator is, shows that regardless of Duncan's death, neither Malcolm or Donalbain wish to remain and "show an unfelt sorrow." (2.3.165-66, 161-62). However, Macbeth's loss of his moral conscience is brought on by persuasion from Lady Macbeth, while Malcolm's self preservation overshadowing his values is a fundamental attribute of him. Neither son shows a level of compassion or grief, which is another difference between Malcolm and Macbeth. After Macbeth returns to his chamber, one of his first remarks is how "this is a sorry sight," showing that he feels deeply conflicted and regretful for murdering Duncan (2.2.28). In fact, when Macduff inquires about the king, Macbeth only responds in short, one sentence answers, as opposed to the extensive addresses he casually gave previously. When Macduff delivers a lengthy speech about the "unruly night" Macbeth's only response is "Twas a rough night," further showing the moral and emotional struggle he is going through as a result of his actions (2.3.61,70). Comparatively, the only words Malcolm utters after learning of his father's demise are "O, by whom?" (2.3.18) This statement shows a complete lack of love towards his father, as asking who killed the king can be seen as an attempt to find who can and cannot be trusted in order to save himself. Therefore, while Macbeth's amorality comes from influence, for Malcolm, protecting his interests is inherent.
While Malcolm may lack ambition, he is much more logical than Macbeth, not necessarily less emotionally capable. Once Duncan's murder is announced, Macbeth is busy rambling about how "renown and grace is dead," and Malcolm is asking the one critical question, "by whom" was Duncan murdered (II.iii.110, 118). It is not out of a lack of affection for his father that he asks such a question, but the opportunity to avenge his father's death or even just self preservation. He knows that one of the people surrounding him killed his father, and he wants to know which one. Malcolm does not try to avoid feigning sadness over his loss; he is skeptical, if not somewhat cynical, saying "to show an unfelt sorrow is an office which the false man does easy" (II.iii.161-162). He thinks it is not difficult to lie and appear to be mourning when one is not. He says to his brother that he will leave for England, and Donalbain says he will go to Ireland, adding "our separated fortune shall keep us all the safer" (II.iii.163-164). They know that as the heirs to the throne, they will be the first suspects for the murder, so it is best for their survival and well being if they leave as soon as possible and stay away from each other. Malcolm is able to maintain poise and reason while Macbeth tries to restrain himself from falling into a fit of anxiety.
While Jack makes many valid points about Malcolm's character, he misinterprets the responses of Macbeth to Macduff, and Malcolm's to the news of his father's death. First of all, Macbeth's response to Macduff in the discussion about the night of the murder does not necessarily demonstrate any level of emotional distress in its lack of length: "'Twas a rough night." (2.3.70) Rather, it is arguable that it is simply an rational, objective driven attempt to preserve the integrity of a lie, avoid a sensitive topic, and end a discussion. To discuss at length the circumstances of an event which one is trying to conceal would be foolish. Such could potentially lead to further questioning of those events, and, in the worst case, expose a lie, or cause other complications for the liar. Similar in its rationality is Malcolm's response to his father's death. While the brevity of the line, "O, by whom?" (2.3.118), is irrefutable, the lack of love perceived by Jack is amiss. The lack of emotional reaction is driven by rationality, not by hatred for his father. Malcolm's response is characteristic of an appropriate response to a crisis. He is calm, and collected as he asks what is arguably the most important question in the given situation, "By whom?" (2.3.118) Such an inquisition would arguably produce a much better outcome than an absolute emotional breakdown, the killer may be caught. Therefore, Malcolm's response is both appropriate, and commendable in nature. Furthermore, his calmness is commendable as well, a panicked response would only produce a more complicated situation.Therefore, Malcolm's response could be construed as a testament, not an injury, to his character.
Malcom's reaction to his father's murder reveals a lack of ambition and passion that both Duncan and Macbeth possess. Instead of immediately shifting his attention towards obtaining the throne, he and his brother Donalbain choose to flee to England and Ireland, respectively, where their "separated fortune" will keep them safer. (2.3.163). Malcom's logical reasoning in deciding to leave mark him as a man of reason, and not ambition, or at least not enough ambition to put his life at risk to receive the crown. He is perfectly content living under his wealth in England, and has no interest in continuing the reign that his father began. Malcom also lacks a sense of compassion and love when it comes to his father's death, as he tells his brother, "let us not be dainty of leave-taking but shift away." (2.3.170-171). It doesn't appear as if Duncan had a great relationship with his either of his two sons, and Malcolm doesn't want to waste time making a public show of mourning for his father, but would rather just escape all of the chaos that has ensued from his death.
As Sara said, it is shown through Malcolm's logical reasoning is that he is a man of reason rather than ambition. Much unlike Macbeth, Malcolm is content to live with the wealth and status that he already possesses, and feels no need or obligation to stay in Scottland where he could help lead and assist the thrown in leadership, therefor lacking ambition. His lack of motivation differs greatly from Macbeth, whom was willing to murder for a chance at the thrown. Malcolm differs from Macbeth in his lack of ambition and unwillingness to face challenges.
Like Sara states, I believe that Malcolm's prompt flee from the location of Duncan's murder shows a lack of foresight and thirst for power. A motivated leader and loving son would have stayed to find the murderer of his beloved father and ensure that he would inherit the throne. His immediate flee and the unconcerned response to his father's murder of "O, by whom?" (II.iii.118) both make him look guilty. Although I understand his initial instinct to flee, he should have thought more before acting. His fear of murder is understandable, but a true leader wouldn't let fear stand in the way of their future ambitions. A true leader should have the long-term mindset to foresee these actions portraying him falsely and unfavorably, and Malcolm's
Although Sara truthfully recaps the events that transpired after the murder of King Duncan, she describes Malcolm's reaction to the killing as a quality of "a man of reason" rather than a man with a lack of ambition which sparks a disagreement. It is truly Malcolm's lack of ambition that forces him to leave Scotland and move to England. He unlike Macbeth, is unwilling to face challenges, like coping with suspicion of murder and the pressures of maintaining the throne even though he is the natural heir. This lack of effort in salvaging his father's kingdom leads to his eventual abandonment of Scotland "therefore to horse, An let [them] not be dainty of leave-taking But shift away…There's no mercy left" (2.3 lines 168-172). Unlike Sara's point that Malcolm left Scotland logically to seek safety and refuge, it is his lack of ambition, ability to exert effort in solving the murder of his father and maintaining the throne that leads him to abdicate his position.
Malcolm's reaction to his father's murder reveals his practical pursuit of safety, unlike Duncan's unquestioning belief in his subjects' loyalty and Macbeth's willingness to risk his life in order to claim a royal position. Malcolm says to Donalbain that "…[their] safest way Is to avoid the aim. Therefore to horse, An let [them] not be dainty of leave-taking But shift away… There's no mercy left" (2.3 lines 168-172). Malcolm is most concerned with their safety. He not willing to be polite to the others, showing that keeping Donalbain and himself alive trumps both their relationship to the others and his desire to be king. He is skeptical of the people in Inverness so that he and Donalbain would not be the next victims of murdering royalty.
In contrast, Duncan does not question his subjects' loyalty, which eventually leads to his death. For example, Duncan describes the previous Thane of Cawdor as "a gentleman on whom [Duncan] buil[ds] An absolute trust" (1.4 lines 15-16). Duncan's "absolute trust" in a man who ends up betraying him shows that Duncan is easily deceived. He values his relationship to his subjects without considering his own safety as king. Because he does not consider the potential betrayal of his subjects, he is easily deceived and killed. Therefore, Malcolm is more skeptical than his father, questioning the loyalty of the subjects, which leads to the safety of Malcolm and Donalbain in a precarious situation.
Malcolm is also different from Macbeth, for Macbeth is more concerned about becoming king than his own safety. For example, Macbeth acknowledges the risks of murdering Duncan to become king when he says: "But in these cases We still have judgement here, that we but teach Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return To plague th' inventor" (1.7 lines 7-10). Macbeth recognizes that others may murder him as retributive justice for killing Duncan. By murdering Duncan, he is setting a precedent for killing the king in order to increase the status of the murderer. Therefore, Macbeth acknowledges that subjects may follow Macbeth's example during Macbeth's reign, so killing Duncan is a risk. However, Macbeth does follow through with the murder, showing that he is less cautious about his own safety and more concerned about gaining power than Malcolm. Malcolm gives up his right to power in order to stay safe, for leaving without acknowledgement leads to "The sovereignty… fall[ing] upon Macbeth" (2.4 line 42).
Malcolm's response to Duncan's death reveals that he does not share the same ambition that Macbeth has to be king. Macbeth attempts to cover up his apathy for Duncan's death in order to obtain the crown, showing a disregard for the possibility of dangerous consequences. Meanwhile, Malcolm (the proclaimed inheritor of the throne) would rather flee the country, and not disguise his indifference to the murder, in an effort to preserve his safety. Macbeth aims to relay his sincere devotion to the king by saying that "had [he] but died an hour before this chance, [He] had lived a blessed time", and "from this instant There's nothing serious in mortality" (2.3.107-108.108-109). By portraying himself as completely faithful to Duncan, Macbeth hopes to convince the assembly gathered that he could not have been the culprit because of his allegiance to Duncan, and subsequently have a chance at succeeding Duncan. Alternatively, Malcolm resolves to leave the country as to avoid being convicted of killing his father. He tells Donalbain that they should "not consort with them. To show an unfelt sorrow is an office Which the false man does easy" (2.3.160-162). Because Malcolm is next in line for the throne, it would seem conspicuous that he not lament his father's death because he feels no emotion. Therefore, in order to preserve himself, his "safest way is to avoid the aim" and "shift away" (2.3.168-169.171). Because Malcolm is willing to sacrifice his kingship to save himself the chance of conviction, he demonstrates a lack of ambition, whereas Macbeth (the true culprit) decides to stay and lie because he has a resolute ambition to be king.
While your analysis is correct that the text would states that Malcolm plans to leave the country, his departure is not entirely due to a lack of ambition. When he first learns of the murder, his immediate question is “o, by whom.” (II.iii.118) This line of questioning suggests that safety is an immediate concern for Malcolm. Rather than try to rid himself of suspicion, like Macbeth, his key concern is who the murderer is. The prince also displays his anxiety when he warns his brother that “where [they] … are, there’s daggers in men’s smiles. The near in blood, the nearer bloody.” (II.iii.164-166) Malcolm indicates that he is worried that whoever killed the king is still in the castle. Malcolm does not wish to remain in Scotland, not because he is worried that he will be accused of the murder, but because he does not wish to be murdered.
Not only does Malcom not seem to care about the death of his father Duncan, but he also reveals that he lacks the same ambitious and leadership qualities that his father had possessed. When Malcom finds out about his fathers death, he has no emotional reaction. Instead of grieving his lose, he simply says "O, by whom?" (II. ii 118). He does not show one sign of emotional distress upon hearing the news of his father. Also, instead of stepping up to claim the leadership role his father had entrusted in him, he says to his brother Donalbain, "our safest way is to avoid the aim (II. ii 168-169). The only thing that Malcom is worried about is his safety. He has absolutely no intentions of ruling Scotland as his father had done, despite the fact that he was the appointed leader.
Contrary to Ali’s argument, Malcolm’s response to Duncan’s murder shows that he does care about the death of his father and posses the intelligence to be a leader. In Ali’s analyzing of the line “O, By Whom”, she looks at it as a plain unemotional response (II.ii.118). Contrary to her point, Malcolm does have emotion in that line because of the coma that splits the two ideas of an emotional reaction and a rational question of the murder of Duncan. Malcolm takes Donalbain aside and proceeds to tell him, “nor our strong sorrow upon the foot of motion” (II.iii.148). The conceding of his emotions towards the death of Duncan shows that the murder does take an emotional toll on him and that he has a plan. Later, in their personal conversation, Malcolm states that “our safest way Is to avoid the aim”, which shows that Malcolm is being a leader and not letting emotions conflict with survival (II.iii.168-169). Malcolm is similar to Duncan and Macbeth because he has leadership qualities.
Ali misinterprets Malcoms feelings towards the death of his father and his ability to rule as king. When Malcom says, "O, by whom?" He has an emotional and rational moment (II.ii.188). The "O" section in the statement is expressing his sorrow. As seen by the comma between the two statements, the reader is supposed to have a pause before saying "by whom?". This lull is is supposed to be longer than a regular pause in a speaking pattern because instead of spelling out the entire word, oh, Shakespear only uses one letter. This shortening is not because Shakespear wanted a certain amount of syllables, because if he did he would have put an apostrophe after the "O". The "by whom" section of the statement is a display of his intellectual process, which is an indication of his great leading abilities. When Malcom says that "our safest way is the avoid the aim" to Donalbain, he is displaying his good judgment and strategicness, which are examples to why he would make a great leader.
To add on to and contradict Connor's and Erin's arguments that Malcolm is similar to Duncan because of his leadership qualities, the fact that Malcolm acts with caution and rationality in the post-murder situation shows contrasting elements between Malcolm and Duncan. Where it is true that Malcolm displays leadership qualities, he differs from his father by having foresight and awareness within the present situation. In Ali's argument, the passage "our safest way is to avoid the aim" can be built upon further (II.ii.168-69). In this passage, Malcolm exhibits anticipation and recognition of potentially negative results if the brothers were to remain in Scotland, thus he acts prudently and decides to flee the country. This action is not the type of action Duncan would have taken in a similar situation due to his lack of foresight and awareness as demonstrated when he admits to having "an absolute trust" in the traitor and fails to detect any plot to kill him (I.iv.16). Malcolm's actions reflect the differences between him and his father by acting with rationality and prudence.
When faced with his father's murder, Malcolm's skepticism and unwillingness to take the situtuation at face value shows that he lacks the over trusting nature of his father. He first questions macduff, "O, by whom"(2.3.117). His first reaction to Duncan's murder is one of questioning, he doesn't accept macduff's story right away he wants to hear the facts. This contrast with Duncan's response to the captain's story. He doesn't question his credtials or make sure he is telling truth, he outright believes his story and tells the captain he "smack[s] of honor"(1.2.47). After seeing everyone's else's reactions Malcom asks for Donalbien's counsel, "why do we hold our tongues?"(2.3.140). He is more reserved and cautious when approaching the situation, so he asks for a second opinion. By keeping this conversation private with Donalbein he demonstrates his lack of trust in others. He even tells his brother, "let's not consort with them"(2.3.160), keeping his plans between someone he knows he can trust rather than people he could only guess whether they are trustworthy or not. When Donalbein detects "daggers in men's smiles"(2.3.165) and warns malcom not trust anyone else.Since they choose to flee, Malcom refuses to trust anyone else, which in this case is a prudent decision. Malcom isn't like his father because His father had an overly trusting nature. He even admits that he believes "there's no art to find the mind's construction in the face"(1.4.13-14), so he must just blindly trust people with no evidence of their worthiness. Duncan put his "absolute trust"(1.4.16) in a traitor and still believes that he cannot tell whether people will be bad or good. Malcom knows what his father did not, that you shouldn't be overly-trusting of people and must be rational about you judgements of peopel