Macbeth Greed Quotes: a Study of Characterization and Reassurance

Introduction

After Macduff learns about the ordered murder of his family by Macbeth, he goes to visit Malcolm at King Edward’s Palace. There, Macduff attempts to persuade Malcolm to dethrone Macbeth and take his rightful place in Scotland as the King.

Macduff’s Reassurance and Malcolm’s Greed

Though Malcolm seems to be hopeless, Macduff reassures him, saying, “Boundless intemperance/In nature is a tyranny. It hath been/Th’ untimely emptying of the happy throne/And fall of many kings.

But fear not yet/To take upon you what is yours. You may/Convey your pleasures in a spacious plenty/” (4.3. 80-85). Malcolm’s “boundless intemperance” refers to the greed and lust he expresses, which are considered traits of tyranny. This lack of self-control has led to to the “emptying of the happy throne.” But despite Malcolm’s tyrannical qualities, Macduff encourages him to “take upon what is yours.” It is Malcolm’s right to be able to dethrone Macbeth declares himself as king due to his relation to Duncan. Though Malcolm worries about taking the throne because of the qualities he possesses, Macduff explains that he can “convey your pleasures in a spacious plenty.” As a king, Malcolm will be able to secretly conduct his desires in a sufficient way because of his high position. Even though Malcolm is facing a difficult situation, Macduff keeps a positive mindset and reassures him. As the conversation continues, Malcolm is still discouraged. Despite Malcolm’s negativity, Macduff continues to be optimistic, saying, “This avarice/Sticks deeper, grows with more pernicious root/Than summer-seeming lust, and it hath been/The sword of our slain kings. Yet do not fear./Scotland hath foisons to fill up your will/Of your mere own. All these are portable,/With other graces weighed” (4.3. 100-106). Malcolm’s “avarice/Sticks deeper, grows with the more pernicious root.” Referring back to his tyrannical qualities, Macduff explains to Malcolm that his greed is worse than his lust because his greed is something he can’t outgrow. Though this greed has led to the downfall of many kings, Malcolm shouldn’t be afraid because “Scotland hath foisons to fill up your will.” If Malcolm was to become king of Scotland; Scotland would have enough treasures to satisfy his greed.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that Malcolm possesses these tyrannical qualities, “All these are portable,/With other graces weighed,” they are balanced with his good ones. Though Malcolm is nervous about overthrowing Macbeth to become king, Macduff demonstrates sanguinity by reassuring him of the benefits of the throne.

References

1. “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare 

2. “Macbeth: A Novel” by A.J. Hartley and David Hewson

Did you like this example?

242

10