Macbeth started out as a good leader and seemed to be worthy of the title, “thane of Cawdor.” According to the bloody sergeant, he bravely fought against Macdonwald, the rebel and the Norwegians. He was referred to as “valiant cousin” and “worthy gentleman” (1.2 24). During act 2 however, Macbeth looses his values as a good leader and becomes a ruthless murderer, going on a massive killing spree. A true king, according to Malcolm should be able to offer the kingdom order and justice, without compromising the comfort and affection of the public. On the contrary, Macbeth brings only chaos to Scotland and offers no real justice. An ironic conversation between Lennox and a Lord indicates that Macbeth’s lack of leadership qualities has caused poverty and conflicts in Scotland. “We may again give to our tables meat, sleep to our nights, free from our feasts and banquets bloody knives…” (3.6 34-35). Malcolm also feels his country is suffering under the reign of Macbeth, the tyrant when he says, “I think our country sinks beneath the yoke; it weeps, it bleeds; and each new day a gash is added to her wounds” (4.3 39-41). Most importantly, the king must be loyal to Scotland above his own interests, which in Macbeth’s case is not true. He has no time to care about the needs of the Scottish people because he is too busy murdering those who he sees as a threat to his throne.
Malcolm, Duncan’s oldest son and the lawful heir will unlike Macbeth and Duncan achieve a balance between necessary violence and the “king-becoming graces” to restore peace in Scotland. Malcolm’s return to the throne as the lawful king signals the end to the suffering that Scotland had endured because “all hail, king of Scotland” (5.7 59). According to himself he has all of the values of a true king, which includes justice, verity, temperance, stableness, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, devotion, patience, courage and fortitude. He has the same graces that his father was blessed with and the ability to be violent when necessary.
By comparing the assets of these three kings, a loved king, a tyrant and a good king, king, one can see how Shakespeare arrives at his conclusion as to what the qualities of a good king are. Malcolm, the more king has all the values of the ideal kind and is more effective than the rest. Similarly, Winston Churchill, British politician and prime minister of the United Kingdom is widely regarded as the greatest British leader of the 20th century. Churchill is celebrated for his leadership during World War II. His courage, decisiveness, patience and perseverance enabled him to lead his country through economic hardships and the war. He, like Malcolm who stood up against the tyrant, refused to give in to the Nazis.
