Monologue

Malcolm Monologue from Macbeth

From Macbeth by William Shakespeare

male · contemplative · 1:43 min

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What I believe, I’ll wail; What know, believe; and what I can redress, As I shall find the time to friend, I will. What you have spoke, it may be so, perchance. This tyrant, whose sole name blisters our tongues, Was once thought honest: you have loved him well; He hath not touch’d you yet. I am young; but something You may deserve of him through me; and wisdom To offer up a weak, poor, innocent lamb To appease an angry god. (MACDUFF: I am not treacherous.) But Macbeth is. A good and virtuous nature may recoil In an imperial charge. But I shall crave your pardon. That which you are, my thoughts cannot transpose. Angels are bright still, though the brightest fell: Though all things foul would wear the brows of grace, Yet grace must still look so. (MACDUFF: I have lost my hopes.) Perchance even there where I did find my doubts. Why in that rawness left you wife and child, Those precious motives, those strong knots of love, Without leave-taking?—I pray you, Let not my jealousies be your dishonours, But mine own safeties. You may be rightly just, Whatever I shall think.

About this piece

Malcolm reflects on the treachery of Macbeth and the implications of loyalty and innocence in a time of tyranny, contemplating his own role in the unfolding events.

20s · anticipation · power · betrayal · redemption · identity

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